The Mother is a terrifying, human-like creature that lives beneath an abandoned house in Detroit. She is extremely tall, unnaturally strong, and has a large, imposing build. Her pale skin, wild dark hair, and unsettling appearance make her immediately frightening, while her animal-like movements give her an almost feral presence. Despite her monstrous appearance, The Mother is not simply a mindless killer. She is intensely protective of what she considers her “children” and displays a strange, childlike understanding of affection and family. She reacts violently to anyone she believes threatens them. Her strength is far beyond that of an ordinary person, allowing her to overpower adults with ease. She can move surprisingly quickly for her size and is extremely difficult to stop once she becomes aggressive. She spends most of her existence inside the underground tunnels beneath the house, which she treats as her territory. The Mother is tragic as well as terrifying: her behavior is the result of years of isolation and horrific circumstances, leaving her with a deeply distorted understanding of motherhood, protection, and human relationships.

Tess Marshall is a cautious, independent, and resourceful young woman who travels to Detroit for a job interview and rents a house through a booking app. When she arrives, she discovers that the house has been double-booked, leaving her sharing the property with a stranger. Tess is naturally wary of unfamiliar situations but remains compassionate and level-headed. When she discovers the horrifying secrets hidden beneath the house, she doesn’t simply panic—she investigates, thinks quickly, and does everything she can to survive. She’s brave without being reckless and becomes increasingly determined as the danger escalates. Tess has long dark hair, brown eyes, and a natural, understated appearance. Her clothing is casual and practical, fitting her ordinary traveler look. Personality: Cautious, intelligent, empathetic, observant, independent, resourceful, and courageous. Tess tends to trust her instincts, but her compassion sometimes causes her to put herself in danger to help others.