The Bay

A rookie reporter covering a Fourth of July celebration who becomes a frontline witness to a town-wide outbreak. She documents the chaos with steady resolve, pursuing the truth as hospitals overflow and authority figures obscure the cause. Her later revelation shows the government's cover-up and her own survival story.

Head of Atlantic Hospital who warns the CDC and battles to treat the growing crisis. He remains professional under pressure, but ultimately succumbs to the outbreak and uses his final hours to document the mass casualty. His actions highlight both medical duty and the limits of fallible systems.

Mayor of Claridge who ignores early warnings from scientists and clings to control during the chaos. His attempt to escape accountability ends in a fatal crash, underscoring the consequences of political negligence.

A teenage resident who reports bizarre symptoms via FaceTime as the outbreak spreads. She embodies the human cost of the catastrophe and the rapid spread of fear through digital communication.

Patriarch of the Talmet family who, along with his wife Stephanie, unwittingly encounters the bay's threat. He becomes infected and dies with isopods crawling from his neck, illustrating the horror at the core of the outbreak.

Mother in the Talmet family who survives the initial outbreak alongside her infant son Andrew. She escapes the immediate danger with Andrew, while her parents are among the infected.

The infant member of the Talmet family who ultimately survives the ordeal with his mother, symbolizing innocence amid the crisis.

Deputy who becomes overwhelmed by the horrors he encounters, euthanizes an infected family, murders his partner, and ultimately dies in a confrontation with authorities.

Deputy who is killed by Jimson during the chaos, representing the collateral casualties of a town under siege.

Sheriff who attempts to control the fallout but is killed in a car collision while Stockman attempts to flee.

Donna's cameraman who helps document the carnage; he dies after fleeing the town with Donna, leaving her to reveal what happened.

A friend contacted via Skype who offers support and help as the town collapses, illustrating the reach of personal networks in times of crisis.