The Grownup characters

Appears from the start

An unnamed woman who has supported herself by reading people's desires and telling them what they want to hear. When repetitive strain makes her former work difficult, she begins giving fraudulent psychic readings and household aura consultations. She is observant, unsentimental, and confident that deception works best when it contains something the client already believes.

Appears from the start

A wealthy, frightened client who seeks supernatural help after moving into an old Victorian house. She believes the building has changed her stepson and fears that the hostility in her household may place her younger child in danger.

Appears from the start

Susan's intelligent teenage stepson. He is withdrawn, watchful, and openly hostile to his stepmother, who presents his altered behavior as evidence that something is wrong with their house. His composure makes it difficult for the narrator to decide whether he is troubled, threatening, or simply aware of the adults' fear.

Appears from the start

Susan's husband and Miles's father, whose work frequently takes him away from home. His absence leaves Susan to manage the conflict between Miles and the rest of the family while her alarm about the house increases.

Appears from the start

Susan's very young son and Miles's half brother. He is too young to understand the rival explanations surrounding the family, but concern for his safety gives urgency to Susan's request for help.