Connie

Connie is a fifteen-year-old girl navigating the tumultuous transition from adolescence to adulthood. Her name, a diminutive of "Constance," suggests notions of faithfulness and loyalty. Ironically, Connie initially embodies the opposite of these traits, preoccupied with her appearance and the attention of boys. She considers her looks, especially her long blonde hair and "bright and pink" lips, as her greatest asset, often drawing admirers' eyes. This vanity creates tension between her and her mother, whom Connie believes resents her youthful beauty, and fosters a sense of superiority over her "plain" sister, June.

Connie's identity is bifurcated; she maintains "two sides" to her personality—one for her home life and another for public outings. This duality leads her to deceive those around her, manipulating her environment to her advantage. However, she becomes ensnared by her own deception when she misinterprets Arnold Friend's sinister intentions as admiration. Her superficiality and naivety make her vulnerable to Arnold's manipulations. Initially flattered by his attention, she fails to recognize the menace he represents, thus entering a perilous situation that strips her of power.

Ultimately, Connie's character arc hints at an evolution beyond her self-centeredness. In a moment of unexpected heroism, she sacrifices her safety to protect her family, demonstrating a depth of courage and loyalty aligning with the meaning of her name. This act, however, remains unrecognized by her family, who never realize that Connie's abduction spared them from Arnold's threat. As Joyce Carol Oates notes, this gesture might indicate Connie's potential for growth beyond her initial superficiality.

Connie's relationship with her mother is complex, characterized by frequent nagging and unfavorable comparisons to June. Yet, there is an underlying closeness between them, sometimes allowing them to be "almost friends" over coffee. Her mother's unease with Connie's behavior is likely due to the latter's promiscuity, prompting attempts at discipline that Connie misinterprets as jealousy. Despite this, a deep connection persists; Connie's sorrowful reflection on never seeing her mother again underscores the genuine bond distorted by teenage rebellion.

Arnold Friend

Arnold Friend is a chilling embodiment of evil rather than a mere human antagonist. His very name, when altered, reveals "An Old Fiend," hinting at his devilish nature. Arnold's appearance is deceptive; while not physically imposing, his unsettling demeanor and intimate knowledge of Connie's life create a sense of omnipotence. He possesses eerie knowledge about Connie's family, predicting her actions and accessing her thoughts with uncanny accuracy.

Arnold's sinister charm lies in his duality—he is both a sweet-talking suitor and a potential predator. His manipulation of Connie hinges on blending romance and threat, ensnaring her vanity and desire for male approval. Critics often interpret Arnold as a demonic figure; his small feet, masked appearance, and ability to mimic youth suggest an otherworldly malevolence. His psychological manipulation never resorts to physical force, instead coercing Connie through threats against her family, coaxing her into his control.

Connie's Mother

Connie's mother plays a significant role in shaping her daughter's identity. Despite frequently comparing Connie unfavorably to June, she shares a closeness with her youngest daughter, manifested in moments of friendship over coffee. Her past beauty forms a link with Connie, although her attempts to discipline Connie's promiscuous behavior often erupt in conflict. Connie misinterprets these efforts as resentment, believing her mother envies her youth and attractiveness. Nevertheless, her mother's trust, perceived by Connie as naivety, fosters a complex bond. In her final moments, Connie's thoughts of her mother reveal an emotional depth to their relationship, muddied by typical adolescent rebellion.

June

June, Connie's older sister, serves as her foil. Described as "plain and chunky and steady," she represents the conventional path of responsibility and conformity, working as a secretary at Connie's school. Her stability appeals to their mother's values, contrasting with Connie's rebellious nature. June's lack of romantic prospects at twenty-four underscores her role as a stable, yet unremarkable, family member. Her compliance with family expectations shields her from Arnold's threat, highlighting the safety of conventionality. Despite being perceived as the duller sibling, June's lifestyle offers security that Connie's beauty and recklessness cannot.

Ellie Oscar

Ellie Oscar, Arnold Friend's enigmatic companion, complements Arnold's ominous presence. Often sitting in a "daze" within the gold car, Ellie manipulates a transistor radio, his personality largely inscrutable. Initially appearing harmless, his potential for violence becomes apparent when he offers to "pull out the phone" and produces a weapon, reinforcing Arnold's threats. Ellie's transformation in Connie's perception from an odd figure to a menacing accomplice illustrates the dark allure and influence Arnold exerts. His role underscores Arnold's power to dominate and control those around him, emphasizing the sinister atmosphere surrounding their visit to Connie's home.