Dog Gone

A school bully who harasses Owen with his gang and pursues the stolen diamonds. His aggression propels the chase and his actions pull the story toward the town’s confrontation with crime. He becomes entangled in the bigger diamond mystery as the police connect the dots.

Owen and Lilly’s father, mostly away during the events but clearly a protective presence. His absence heightens the kids’ responsibility and resilience as they navigate the danger surrounding Diamond.

An inventive and empathetic boy who spends time in the forest, building devices and telling tall tales. He forms a special bond with Diamond, protects her from danger, and grows from a dreamer into someone who acts to keep a friend safe.

One of the three thugs chasing Diamond, quick to anger and eager to recover the stolen diamonds. His brashness and schemes contribute to the peril Owen faces in the woods.

Owen’s older sister, protective of her brother and skeptical of the Mad Man stories. Her concern for family safety shapes the decisions Owen makes about Diamond’s fate.

Another thug in the trio, a loud but bumbling antagonist who complicates the pursuit with reckless antics and physical comedy that punctuate the chase.

The third thug, often scheming and outmatched by Owen’s defenses. His interactions with Blackie and Bud intensify the pursuit through the forest.

A community-connected character who interacts with Owen’s world, helping to anchor the events in a familiar town context.

A local elder whose presence adds grounding perspective to the town’s happenings and the diamond mystery.