Dempsey’s desire to do good — and his lack of self awareness — sometimes leads him to make dangerous decisions. Haunted by a troubled past and in denial about his darker impulses, the tightly wound law enforcement officer finds safety and acceptance in his wife Laura. In many ways, Dempsey’s identity is defined by his loyalty to Laura. As a new police officer in Tall Pines, Dempsey hopes he can finally begin the nuclear, heteronormative family life he’s always been seduced by. 

“I’m always drawn to the protagonists who are figuring things out in real time with the audience. So I wanted him to be the voice of the audience,” Martin — who is Wayward’s creator and star — says. “He’s very desperate to conform and to fit in and find community. I like that struggle in him, and he’s a little bit bumbling … He makes some bad choices and some good choices.” 

Mae Martin: SAP, Feel Good, and The Flight Attendant

An independent empath, Laura is highly intelligent and magnetic. People feel compelled to tell her what’s in their hearts — although she, on the other hand, can be an unknowable chameleon at times. Laura loves her partner Dempsey deeply and he brings out a softer side of her. But she has secrets even he can’t access. 

“What really drew me to Laura is that she appears to be one way on the surface. But, underneath, there is so much going on,” Gadon says. “I love to play women who are complicated, have secrets, and are working through a lot of things psychologically.”  

Laura and Dempsey have a passionate relationship, and he loves her wicked sense of humour. But Laura’s personal ideology can trump anything when it comes down to it. Like Evelyn, Laura has the capacity to hurt. “You meet Laura and Dempsey with all these possibilities in front of them — and then everything kind of goes sideways,” Gadon says. 

Ferrari and Alias Grace

The founder and head of Tall Pines Academy, Evelyn is also the beating heart of the town of Tall Pines itself. Evelyn is warm, crunchy, pragmatic, and exudes an unflappable maternal energy that inspires confidence in the parents of her students. Yet, when her mask slips, there is a dark, cold, and ruthless side to her. She uses empathy to manipulate people and would do anything to protect what she’s built.

Martin says Collette was always their “number one choice” to portray Evelyn. “To actually get the person you had in your mind while writing is so amazing,” they say. “Toni is one of those few actors who really understands the joke and can be so dryly funny, but then also absolutely terrifying. She really has presence.” 

Hereditary and Unbelievable  

Leila is sarcastic, observant, and a jump-first rebel. She’s wounded by her past, which can make her controlling — but she would do anything for her best friend, Abbie. Leila is bisexual and confident in her sexuality. She loves the 1960s ethos, but is a bit more punk androgynous in her aesthetic.

“I love how carefree she is. At the beginning of the series we get to see a certain side of her that is very unaware that her actions have consequences,” Lind says. “That obviously changes throughout the show.”

Chucky and Daybreak

Abbie is a laid-back dreamer and hippie. She may be naïve, but she can see what’s really in people’s souls. While Abbie is fiercely loyal to her friends, she’s not interested in romance. She takes her belief system and wardrobe cues from Janis Joplin. Under stress, Abbie will discover she’s much more capable than she ever thought.

“Abbie is such a humanist. She accepts people for who they are,” Topliffe says. “Abbie can see the goodness in others — why they might appear one way. It’s so sweet … But she has this fireriness in her too.”

Davey & Jonesie’s Locker and Doin’ It

Andrews is imposing but easygoing. He’s a hardworking war vet, who is extremely loyal to Tall Pines. He gives off major dad vibes. His approval feels great, but his disapproval can be terrifying and dangerous. Andrews is Dempsey’s partner within the Tall Pines Police Department.

The Cleaning Lady and Snowfall

Rabbit is a top member of the Tall Pines Academy staff. She is in charge of the girls, and relishes her power — along with her close relationship with Evelyn. 

Wayward co-creator Ryan Scott thinks Rabbit, along with the rest of the staff of Tall Pines Academy, suffers from insecurity. “There are a lot of older people who are threatened by young people. They think teens are unfit to inherit the world,” he explains. 

Murderbot and upcoming comedy Vladimir

Duck is another high-ranking member of the Tall Pines Academy staff. He is the leader of the boys and takes his mission quite seriously. 

“By forcing kids to grow up and get rid of their trauma, the staff is making the students like them,” Scott says.

American Solitaire and Killers Of The Flower Moon

Mr. Turner is an important figure at Abbie and Leila’s Canadian high school and a former resident of Tall Pines. His seemingly affable nature is hiding something much darker — and an unexpected connection to Tall Pines. 

Martin has known Adams since their early 20s, and has always wanted to work with the Suits star. “Having Patrick involved was such a dream,” they say. “He’s the most charming and likeable person. And it’s always those people that it’s most thrilling to see play a really sinister character. His Mr. Turner is bone-chilling.”  

Suits and The Right Stuff

Well-meaning Rory yearns to be accepted by his fellow classmates. Will things start to turn around for him once Leila and Abbie arrive? Or is he as untrustworthy as everyone else in Tall Pines? 

Overcompensating and The Hardy Boys

Stacey is a true believer in the ethos of Tall Pines Academy. You do not want to be on her bad side … especially if she’s your roommate. 

“Isolde is so great to watch onscreen, and funny,” Martin says. 

Murdoch Mysteries and Ruby and the Well 

Although Riley is popular among the students of Tall Pines, he’s still desperate to escape the school. A surprise meeting between Riley and Demspey changes the future of the town forever. 

Luckiest Girl Alive and Nobody 2

Daniel is Tall Pines Academy’s resident bad boy and wild card. Is he misunderstood? Or is Daniel’s already-tough exterior hiding even more dangerous impulses? 

Slip and All I Didn't Want for Christmas