Wolf Hollow characters

Appears from the start

A twelve-year-old girl growing up on her family's farm in rural Pennsylvania during the Second World War. Thoughtful and accustomed to a secure, loving home, she is unsettled when a new girl begins targeting her. Annabelle initially keeps the harassment to herself, hoping that patience and silence will contain it.

Appears from the start

An older girl sent from the city to live with her grandparents near the McBride farm. Betty quickly establishes herself as a bully, using threats and sudden violence to frighten Annabelle and control what she tells the adults around them.

Appears from the start

A solitary veteran of the First World War who wanders the hills around Wolf Hollow carrying old rifles. He rarely speaks and is regarded with suspicion by many neighbors, but Annabelle's family treats him with food and basic kindness. Annabelle senses gentleness beneath his withdrawn manner.

Appears from the start

Annabelle's steady, practical mother. Sarah notices changes in her daughter and tries to protect the children without encouraging panic. Her willingness to listen becomes crucial once Annabelle begins telling the adults what has happened.

Appears from the start

Annabelle's father, a farmer whose quiet authority helps hold the extended household together. He judges people by their conduct rather than local rumor and does not share the community's automatic fear of Toby.

Appears from the start

Annabelle's aunt, who lives with the McBride family and teaches at the local school. Lily is more rigid and suspicious than Annabelle's parents, and her presence makes it harder for Annabelle to speak freely about Betty's threats.

First appears in chapter 4

Annabelle's close school friend. Ruth becomes vulnerable to the danger surrounding Betty's campaign against Annabelle despite having no part in their original conflict.

Appears from the start

One of Annabelle's younger brothers. Henry's safety is among the pressures Betty uses against Annabelle, forcing her to weigh secrecy against the risk to other people.

First appears in chapter 3

A local boy drawn into Betty's intimidation of Annabelle. His participation shows how Betty recruits fear and peer pressure as well as relying on her own aggression.

First appears in chapter 17

The constable responsible for investigating Betty's disappearance. He must work amid wartime anxieties and a community already inclined to see the reclusive, armed Toby as dangerous.