Humans:
* David "Dave" Denton: A former L.A. detective, he's the protagonist and the story's focal point. He's brave, resourceful, and struggles with guilt over his past actions.
* Sally "Sally" Cushing: A nurse, she's the practical and level-headed member of the group, often acting as a voice of reason.
* Peter "Pete" "The Kid" McClellan: A young boy, he's innocent and vulnerable, but displays surprising courage in the face of terror.
* John "Jack" Harris: An attorney, he's initially arrogant and dismissive of the danger, but ultimately steps up to help others.
* Naomi: An elderly woman, she's initially fragile, but her wisdom and connection to the desert prove vital.
* Colonel "Colie" Weeks: A retired military man, he's a strong, decisive leader, providing much-needed order in the face of chaos.
The Antagonist:
* Tak - the Evil: A malevolent entity who takes the form of a giant, shadowy creature with demonic features. Tak is the embodiment of fear, desperation, and evil.
Other Important Characters:
* "The Man in Black": A mysterious figure who appears throughout the story, seemingly a servant of Tak.
* "The Woman in Black": Another mysterious figure, she appears alongside the Man in Black, though her role is less defined.
These are the main characters that drive the story and its themes. Each character faces their own challenges and struggles, with their individual flaws and strengths shaping their choices and interactions.