Todd Keane
Todd Keane is a tech genius whose groundbreaking work in Artificial Intelligence will lead him to create the virtual world of Playground. He is the son of a successful businessman. Todd attended an elite school in Chicago where he struck a life-changing friendship with Rafi. Despite growing up white and privileged, he's had his fair share of struggles.
Todd's family is dysfunctional and incapable of nurturing him accordingly at such a crucial time in his life. Rafi and Todd bond over an age-old board game that will have future ramifications. Their brief but impactful time together in school defines Todd's life choices for decades to come. Initially wanting to study oceanography, he finds solace in technology.
Rafi Young
Rafi Young is a poet. He is married to Ina Aroita. Rafi comes from an impoverished African-American community. His family is poor and incapable of offering him the much-needed opportunities to escape the poverty trap. Rafi is however lucky enough to attend an elite school where he meets Todd. While in school, he's an outsider.
Rafi finds it hard to assimilate with the other students who come from an elite social class. Despite being opposites, Todd and Rafi strike a friendship that will change both their lives. They will later reunite on the Island where their friendship will take on new dynamics. Todd and Rafi will have to navigate their past encounters and the ramifications they now hold for the future of Makatea.
Evie Beaulieu
Evie is a marine biologist. At the age of twelve, she is submerged in water as part of her father's experiments. Evie's father was the inventor of the world's first aqualungs used for breathing underwater. That event is forever etched into her mind.
Evie, now a nonagenarian, still finds herself submerging in the depths of the ocean in search of solace. She has developed a very nuanced understanding of water. Evie's work is recognized all around the world. Her insight is much sought by the people of Makatea and those who want to exploit the island once more.
Ina Aroita
Ina Aroita is a sculpture artist and Rafi's wife. She resides on the island of Makatea in French Polynesia. Ina creates sculptures from plastic waste that washes ashore. Her father being a Navy officer meant that she had to relocate a lot growing up. The only constant thing in Ina's life has been the ocean and her art. Living around the Pacific all her life has accorded her a deeper connection to it than most people.
Ina is among the people opposing the new exploitation of the island. She's experienced just how destructive the exploitation of phosphorus deposits has been. Ina is skeptical of this new endeavor despite the prosperity it promises.
