Edward
An adult now, Edward looks back on the time that he was a child visiting his Aunt's house. Edward's mother was a kind woman, but did not get along with her sister, mother of Leonora. After many years of fighting, the two though it best to let both Edward and Leonora to stay at Aunt Kembrel's house for a time.
Edward is the main character and protagonist of the novel, trying to stop the evils that Leonora brings to the household. Although it may seem like nothing could go wrong in this house, Leonora does strange things that seem to "awaken evil spirits". Edward is not a stereotypical male character, instead being very sensitive to the issues at hand, and therefore being overly affected by them. When Leonora's doll from her mother arrives, Edward tries to take it away from her and explain to Leonora that what she is doing is wrong.
Leonora
The antagonist of the novel, Leonora is the daughter of a feuding mother who sent her away to the house of Aunt Kimbrel. This story is one of flashbacks that are seen through Edward's point of view, so it is unknown whether or not Leonora is still alive.
Much happens in the beginning of novel with Leonora, but most of it is building to when she receives a package from her mother in the mail. Unbeknownst to her, a doll is waiting inside - her mother sent it hoping that it would brighten up her life a bit. However, being the seemingly evil person she is, Leonora uses the doll to blame bad things she did on, bringing out even more of her bad self. With Edward trying to stop all of this from happening, Aunt Kimbrel stands in the background not knowing exactly what is going on or what to do.
Aunt Kimbrel
Aunt Kimbrel is a kind and polite older woman who owns a house of her own in England. Sister of two, each with children, she seems to be the only sister that is not fighting with anyone. In an attempt to save their children from the feuding, Kimbrel's sisters send their children to her house, one evil and one kind. Aunt Kimbrel tries eagerly to make the children at home, but Leonora wants nothing of it. The stereotypical kind character that only wants to help you, but is then exposed to the evils of the world, Aunt Kimbrel stands in the background as the children of two feuding mothers start to feud for themselves.
Edward's Mother
Edward's mother is a kind woman, sister to Leonora's mother and to Aunt Kimbrel. She is not mentioned much in the novel, but Edward thinks about her much when he is away, and wishes that things would be settled between his family members.
Leonora's Mother
A mean and nasty person, quite like Leonora, Leonora's mother is feuding with her sister. Like Edward's mother, she is not mentioned much in the book as a dynamic character, but does send Leonora a doll which drives the story. Seeming to spoil her child, she only releasing herself in Leonora, which is why the two are so alike in the wrong ways.
