| Character | Strengths | Weaknesses | |-----------|----------|------------| | | A strong, relatable protagonist whose academic rigor makes her investigations plausible. Hartley gives her a nuanced interior life—grief, skepticism, curiosity—that feels genuine. | At times, Evelyn’s analytical voice becomes overly expository, slowing the narrative momentum. | | Miriam Foxx‑Best (post‑humous) | Through diary entries, Miriam emerges as a tragic heroine, a woman who tried to break the curse but was thwarted by patriarchal forces. | Her motives sometimes feel under‑explored; the reader wishes for a clearer picture of her final actions. | | “Mrs. Hydewickedreagan” (the ancestral specter) | Serves as both antagonist and tragic figure—her “possession” is a symptom of the curse rather than pure malevolence. | The spectral character’s backstory is hinted at but never fully resolved, leaving some curiosity unsatisfied. | | Supporting Cast (local historian, caretaker, estranged cousin) | Provide useful exposition and contrast Evelyn’s rationalism with folk belief. | A few feel like functional plot devices rather than fully fleshed individuals. |
: Appears in a supporting role that has been described by reviewers on IMDb as "suspiciously and transparently sinister" from the start.
