Edge of the Axe

A charming, impulsive local whose life intersects with Laura's turmoil. He navigates the town's social scene with ease, which makes him seem trustworthy at first. As the murders unfold, his enigmatic behavior pulls him deeper into the center of the town's mystery.

A leader of the church choir and a respected member of the community. She embodies devotion and steadiness, yet becomes a casualty in the escalating killings. Her death underscores the fragility of trust in a close-knit town.

The town’s religious figure who provides a steady, moral anchor amid fear. He represents tradition and order as the community grapples with murder and suspicion. His presence highlights the clash between faith and the unsettling events around him.

An eccentric, computer-obsessed young man who moves into a cabin near the hermit Brock. He compiles victim lists on his computer and uses manipulated data to gaslight others, revealing a chilling detachment from reality. Gerald’s actions propel the killings and culminate in a confrontation with the authorities.

A local beautician and sex worker who becomes one of the killer’s victims. Her murder demonstrates the killer’s brutality and willingness to strike across the town. Her death contributes to the growing sense that danger lurks everywhere in the seemingly quiet community.

An exterminator by trade and a friend to Gerald who assists in driving the investigation. He discovers the severed head of a hospital worker and provides a grounded, practical counterpoint to Gerald’s volatility. He serves as a conduit for witness testimony and investigative momentum.

Richard’s middle-aged wife whose bankruptcy leads her to a reckless night out, ending in disappearance. Her fate triggers financial secrets in the town and intensifies the search for the killer. Her death emphasizes the stakes of the community’s hidden tensions.

A police officer who methodically investigates the string of killings. He connects clues, questions Lillian and her father, and ultimately confronts the killer, shooting Gerald during the climactic confrontation. His procedural role anchors the investigation.

A college student and daughter of the tavern owner who becomes entangled in the killer’s web. She uncovers the victim list on Gerald’s computer and confronts him with supposed medical records, only to be manipulated. She remains central to the emotional arc and survives the finale with a chilling smile.