Night of the Living Dread

Barbra is the sister who survives the initial cemetery attack but becomes nearly catatonic from trauma. She struggles to adapt to sheltering with strangers and gradually relies on others for protection. Her presence anchors the early fear and highlights the human cost of violence in crisis.

Barbra's brother, who is killed early by a pale attacker, triggering Barbra's trauma. His death serves as a brutal catalyst for the survivors' efforts to stay alive. His memory haunts the group as they fight to endure the night.

A pragmatic, resourceful stranger who arrives to help defend the farmhouse and coordinates efforts to secure supplies. He devises a plan to reach a rescue center but is killed by an armed posse who mistake him for a ghoul. His actions drive the group's strategy and the moral ambiguity of survival.

Harry is the wary father who advocates staying underground in the cellar and questions the safety of the aboveground fight. He is disarmed and killed by Ben, then dies in the cellar beside his daughter. His stance embodies the tension between safety and action during the crisis.

Helen is Harry's wife who seeks refuge with the group in the cellar. She remains a caring presence among the survivors until a brutal turn of events leads to her death in the chaos. Her experience reflects the collateral tragedy of familial bonds under siege.

Karen is Harry and Helen's young daughter who suffers an arm injury and becomes a ghoul after worsening injuries. She ultimately turns on her own family, culminating in a tragic confrontation. Her arc underscores the fragility of innocence within a collapsing world.

Tom is a survivor who, along with Judy, seeks shelter after hearing emergency broadcasts. He participates in the defensive effort but dies when a fuel pump explodes during a mission to obtain supplies. His death marks the escalating toll of the crisis.

Tom's partner, Judy is part of the sheltering group and shares in the group’s peril. She ultimately dies in the pump explosion, highlighting the high casualty rate and fragility of hope during the siege.