Sleeping Dogs Lie

Amy is the central figure whose past actions set off a chain of deceptions. She struggles to balance a normal life with the pressure of keeping secrets from those she loves. Her choices expose her vulnerability, pride, and a willingness to hurt others to protect herself. The arc follows her attempt to confront the truth and decide what kind of future she wants.

John is a patient, well-meaning fiancé who believes in honesty but is unprepared for the complexity of Amy's past. His trust fractures as secrets surface and he confronts anger, disappointment, and the fear of being blindsided. He represents the pressure to maintain a perfect relationship in the face of imperfection. His departure marks the collapse of the initial plan for a stable future.

Linda is Amy's best friend who becomes entangled in the web of lies. She is loyal but bound by the limits of what she can reveal or endure. She reflects the complexities of female friendship when secrets threaten closeness. Her reactions show how peers influence the maelstrom of a crisis.

Dougie is Amy's drug-addicted brother whose overheard revelation triggers family upheaval. He is volatile, candid, and a catalyst for confronting buried truths. His struggles illustrate the impact of addiction on family dynamics and the fragility of trust.

Ed is a coworker who becomes Amy's later partner, offering a potential path to healing and stability. He learns of Amy's past and braces for possible secrets, testing his capacity for forgiveness. He represents a chance for redemption but is wary of repeating past mistakes.

Amy's mother is the emotional center of the family whose reaction to Amy's secret exposes the balancing act between love and pride. Her later death shifts the family dynamic and intensifies the sense of loss. She embodies care, tradition, and the pressure to preserve a spotless public image.

Amy's father is initially distant and primed by old-school pride, reluctant to face the fallout of his daughter's confession. His eventual reconciliation comes through shared grief and a redefined sense of protection. He embodies the tragedy of parents who wish to shield their family from disgrace.

Carl is Linda's boyfriend who appears in the social circle and participates tangentially in the fallout from the lies. He provides a contrast to the more central figures, highlighting how secondary relationships are affected by the central deception.