Summer of Fear characters

Appears from the start

A teenage girl whose comfortable family life is disrupted when an orphaned cousin comes to stay. Rachel is initially ashamed of her instinctive dislike of Julia because everyone else sees a bereaved, appealing newcomer. As accidents and changes accumulate around her, Rachel must decide whether her jealousy explains what she sees or whether the danger is real.

Appears from the start

Rachel's cousin, brought into the Bryant home after the sudden deaths of her parents. Julia arrives from a rural background appearing shy, plain, and dependent, but she quickly learns how to win the family's sympathy and attention. Rachel alone feels immediate unease around her.

Appears from the start

Rachel's boyfriend at the beginning of the summer. Mike is familiar with the Bryant family and initially treats Julia as Rachel's unfortunate cousin, but he is soon drawn toward the newcomer in ways that deepen Rachel's isolation.

First appears in chapter 2

Rachel's close friend and one of the people whose opinion normally helps anchor her. Carolyn's response to Julia becomes an important measure of how thoroughly the newcomer is reshaping Rachel's social world.

Appears from the start

Rachel's older brother. Peter is part of the lively family life Julia enters and, like the rest of the household, is inclined to interpret Rachel's hostility as jealousy rather than a warning.

Appears from the start

Rachel's younger brother, whose uncomplicated acceptance of Julia contributes to the sense that Rachel is the only member of the household who remains wary of their cousin.

Also known as Dad

Appears from the start

Rachel's father, who accepts responsibility for his orphaned niece and wants her to feel fully included. His generosity makes him reluctant to credit Rachel's suspicions without evidence.

Also known as Mom

Appears from the start

Rachel's mother, who responds to Julia's loss with sympathy and practical care. She expects Rachel to help the new arrival adjust, leaving Rachel unable to express her unease without seeming selfish.

First appears in chapter 11

An older neighbor with knowledge of folklore and occult practices. Professor Jarvis is willing to take Rachel's observations seriously and helps her consider whether the pattern around Julia could have a supernatural cause.