Demented

Matt Rodgers is Linda's physician husband who becomes emotionally distant after the assault. He starts an affair with his mistress Carol and claims to be working night shifts to justify his absence. His neglect of Linda fuels her sense of abandonment and suspicion. The climax reveals tension as Linda confronts him in their bedroom.

Linda is a rape survivor whose trauma dominates her daily life. She experiences visions of men in Halloween masks infiltrating her home and struggles to trust those around her. Her trauma evolves into a destabilizing mix of fear and psychosis, driving the violence that unfolds. Her reactions shape the horror of the narrative and its domestic setting.

Dr. Dillman is Linda's psychiatrist who visits the house to monitor her progress. During a visit, he mistakes Mark's behavior as an intruder, highlighting the tension between care and fear. He provides a clinical lens on Linda's mental state and becomes part of the web of misreadings surrounding the trauma.

Annie is Linda's sister who visits despite Linda's insistence on privacy. A dinner argument underscores Linda's mounting isolation and fatigue with family involvement. Her presence signals the fragile line between support and intrusion in the wake of trauma.

Carol is Matt's mistress and a symbol of marital betrayal. Her relationship with Matt adds pressure to Linda's sense of security and trust. She is not aware of the full danger Linda faces, but her affair deepens the emotional conflict at the heart of the story.

Mark is Linda's neighbor who is briefly seen peering through a window. He is connected to the cruel prank that escalates Linda's fear and violence, illustrating how seemingly small offenses can spiral into danger within the community.

The Detective represents the police response to Linda's claims, though officers visit at night and leave without solid evidence. His presence underscores the limited help available to Linda and the perceived gulf between investigation and protection.