Kit Watson
Kit, whose given name is Christopher, comes from one of the old mining families of Stoneygate, and enjoys hearing stories that his grandfather, who was a miner, tells him about the old days. Kit is a sunny young man, and very creative. He enjoys writing stories and he is gifted at it. He manages to use this talent to get himself out of a potentially dangerous situation at the end of the book, as Askew confronts him about the end of the game; instead, his story sort of manifests itself on the town, and the positive things that are written within it seem to materialize.
John Askew
Askew is thirteen years old and one of those kids whose air of danger makes him fascinating and alluring to the other children. Askew favors kids from the old mining families as his friends and circle, which is why he is quite determined to befriend Kit. Kit's short story seems to free him from the part of himself that is drawn to create games like Death, and he is able to return to school a far easier person to be around, and develop his talent for art.
Allie Keenan
Allie wants to be an actor and is drawn to the similar creativity she sees in Kit. They make friends quickly and it is Kit's change in demeanor towards her that alerts their teacher that something is going on in his life that is changing him. Kit's grandfather considers her a "bad ass" and this is likely because she is fiercely protective of Kit, and her other friends, and takes no nonsense from Askew.
Kit's Grandfather
The catalyst for the Watson family's return to Stoneygate, Kit's grandfather was a miner who delights in telling stories to his grandson about the old days in the town, particularly his time spend down the mines. The two have a special relationship and many of the stories that Kit writes are inspired by the tales that his grandfather has told him.
Askew's Father
A drunk, and a violent one, Askew's father puts fear into his son, so much so that he runs away to hide out in the m ine shafts rather than admit to his father that he has been expelled from school. He is a changed man by the end of the book, becoming sober and making an effort to repair his relationship with his son.
Miss Bush
Miss Bush knows her students; she notices a change in Kit's moods and behavior and decides to follow him after school to see what might be at the root of it all. She uncovers the Death game and puts an immediate stop to it by expelling Askew whom she sees is the ringleader. She is not afraid to get involved in the lives of her students if she thinks it is necessary.
Bobby Carr
Askew's wing-man, Carr is also his bodyguard and fixer. He values this position and does not like it when other kids are brought into the group because he fears he may be usurped. He does not like Kit very much and does not really want him included in the group.
