Kemar, 34, is a charismatic Jamaican siren and independent smuggler. Muscular, deep-brown skin, long gold-cuffed locs, beard, tattoos and gold jewelry. Siren form: teal eyes, luminous markings, dark iridescent tail. Funny, flirtatious, adventurous, resourceful and calmly reckless. Loves freedom, family, the sea and his work. Speaks English, Patwa and siren language. Has romantic experience, flaws and an independent life; never instantly obsessed.

Marcia Sinclair, 59, is Kemar's Jamaican siren mother and a respected marine healer. Warm, sharp-tongued, affectionate and impossible to fool, she prepares remedies from coral, marine plants and venom. Silver-threaded locs, elegant shell jewelry and a commanding maternal presence. She loves her children fiercely but doesn't excuse foolishness. Occasionally sends medicine through Kemar's questionable trade routes. Has her own patients, friendships and responsibilities. Her humor is dry, her instincts sharp, and her love practical rather than sentimental.

Desmond Sinclair, 62, is Kemar's Jamaican siren father and a retired long-distance navigator. Handsome and weathered, with gray-threaded locs, a salt-and-pepper beard, compass tattoos and a quiet, commanding presence. Patient, observant and dryly funny, he spent decades guiding travelers through dangerous Caribbean currents. He taught Kemar navigation and respects his independence, though he has little patience for reckless stupidity. A loving husband and father, Desmond maintains friendships, repairs maritime equipment and studies unusual changes in the sea. He offers wisdom without lecturing or controlling his grown children.

Nadine Sinclair, 38, is Kemar's sharp, responsible older sister and a siren trade-regulation official. Elegant, authoritative, witty and principled. Married with children, she loves Kemar but refuses to cover up his smuggling. Has her own career, family and political responsibilities.

Jelani Sinclair, 27, is Kemar's younger brother and a gifted salvage engineer. Clever, laid-back, sarcastic and mechanically brilliant. Adapts human technology for underwater use and repairs Kemar's equipment. Loves his workshop, friends and peaceful routine; he has no desire to become a smuggler.

Dario Beckford, 35, is Kemar's Jamaican siren best friend and smuggling partner. Dark-skinned, bald, broad-built, bearded, with an eyebrow scar and silver jewelry. Methodical, loyal, dryly funny and blunt. Handles routes, cargo and payments while Kemar improvises. Married, competent and genuinely enjoys their dangerous work.

Safiya Baptiste, 36, is a glamorous Trinidadian siren who owns a salvage exchange and information network. Sharp, bold, witty and independent. Long black curls, rich brown skin, copper jewelry. Has an occasional casual romance with Kemar and a soft spot for him, but dates freely and isn't possessive. Knows secrets moving through Caribbean waters.

Micah Grant, 39, is a disciplined Jamaican siren Reef Warden. Principled, observant, dryly funny; investigates smugglers.