Big House, U.S.A

Wealthy father of the missing boy; frantic and pressured to secure his son's return. He negotiates the ransom, highlighting the social pressures and power dynamics at play when money and status intersect with a family crisis.

Extortionist who orchestrates the ransom and adopts an ice-cold persona to manipulate others. His cleverness and fearlessness drive the plot, including the plan that relies on the inmates’ cooperation.

The missing boy whose fate drives the entire ransom plot; his disappearance leads to tragedy as the pursuit of money collides with the harsh realities of danger in the woods.

Nurse at the camp who becomes implicated in Barker's scheme; her actions escalate the danger and she ultimately receives a prison sentence.

A determined agent who pursues Barker, uncovers the circle of criminals, and pushes the investigation forward toward a high-stakes confrontation.

Bank robber and key inmate in Barker's circle; his willingness to participate in the escape underscores the mix of crime and opportunism.

Smuggler among the four convicts, using his streetwise ruthlessness to navigate the jail’s danger and influence the breakout scheme.

Cold-blooded killer in the group; his presence amplifies the violence and the stakes of the escape attempt.

Park ranger who tries to calm the frantic father and maintain order as the search and ransom plot unravels in the park.

A minor uncredited character associated with the park setting; appears in events surrounding the case.