If Looks Could Kill

An eighteen-year-old Detroit slacker who is forced into international espionage after being mistaken for a CIA agent. He quickly improvises with high-tech gadgets and sharp wits, leaning on them to navigate danger. Over the course of the story, he shifts from reckless improviser to someone who takes responsibility for his actions and others' safety.

A dangerous mastermind and primary antagonist ally to Steranko. She wields power with cunning, showing little mercy and employing venomous methods to eliminate threats. Her presence elevates the threat level and she acts as a chilling counterpoint to Michael's nascent bravery.

An agent whose daughter, Mariska, becomes a key ally after his murder. His experiences and legacy motivate Michael and Mariska to resist Steranko. Blade's crash course in espionage and his dangerous history frame the stakes of the mission.

Ateenager and ally who teams up with Michael to take down Steranko's operation. She embodies courage and resilience, driven by the desire to avenge her father and protect her peers. Her partnership with Michael evolves from wary collaboration to determined teamwork.

The duplicitous mastermind behind the gold heist and the architect of a broader criminal scheme. Steranko blends charm with ruthlessness, orchestrating assassinations and hostage crises to achieve his goal. His downfall hinges on exposing his own pretenses and underestimating his opponents.

A henchwoman and surrogate mother to Steranko, she executes deadly tasks with precision. Her presence amplifies the danger, underscoring the reach and severity of Steranko's plot. She remains a persistent threat throughout the escalating conflict.

A sinister operative who dispatches victims using a venomous pet scorpion. Her methods are both shocking and efficient, signaling the brutal lengths Steranko's organization will go to. She contributes to the sense of peril surrounding the protagonists.

The French teacher accompanying the students to France, identified in the story as Mrs. Grober. She becomes a hostage in Steranko's castle stronghold and embodies the vulnerable yet resilient teacher-student bond in perilous circumstances. Her safety is central to the group’s plan to rescue everyone.

A henchman notable for his prosthetic gold hand, signaling the opulence and danger surrounding Steranko's operation. He serves as a physical obstacle that Michael must outsmart or overcome. His defeat marks a turning point in the castle showdown.

Michael's mother, who embodies concern and pragmatic support for her son's efforts to graduate and find his path. Her protective instinct provides emotional grounding for Michael's adventures. She represents the ordinary life the protagonist fights to preserve.

A high-ranking official who appears in the background of Steranko's operations. His presence adds military gravity to the pursuit of the villain and the protection of sensitive information. He embodies authority and procedure in contrast to the chaotic espionage.

Michael's father, depicted as a supportive figure whose presence grounds the family dynamic amid extraordinary circumstances. His role emphasizes the contrast between ordinary family life and the extraordinary demands of espionage. He reinforces themes of loyalty and care.

The real CIA agent whose murder triggers the mistaken identity plot. His identity and mission serve as the catalyst for Michael's forced immersion into the spy world. His absence creates tension and moral ambiguity as characters navigate who they are protecting.