James Shin Hoo is a failed inventor who believes Westing stole his inventions. He is paired with Grace Wexler. Sun Lin Hoo is married to James. She's Chinese and speaks almost no English. She is paired with Jake Wexler. Their son, Doug Hoo, is a high school runner. He is paired with Theo Theodorakis.
Dr. Jake Wexler is a podiatrist who also runs a gambling ring. He is paired with Sun Lin Hoo. His wife, Grace, is a wannabe socialite who is also Westing's niece. She is partnered with James Hoo. They have two daughters. The oldest is Angela, who is unhappily engaged to Dr. Denton. She is paired with Sydelle Pulaski. The other daughter, Turtle, is resentful of the attention her older sister receives. She is paired with Flora Baumbach.
Theo is an aspiring writer who loves to play chess. He is paired with Doug Hoo. His brother, Chris, is a birdwatcher who is confined to a wheelchair by a mysterious disease. He is paired with Dr. Denton Deere, who introduces him to a potential cure. Their father, George, is Violet Westing's former sweetheart. He and his wife, Catherine, are the only Sunset Tower residents not named as heirs.
Sydelle Pulaski is the secretary at Schultz Sausages. She is paired with Angela Wexler. Flora Baumbach is a dressmaker who made Violet Westing's wedding dress. She is paired with Turtle, and develops a close relationship with her. Denton Deere, a plastic surgeon, is engaged to Angela Wexler. He is paired with Chris Theodorakis. Josie-Jo Ford was the daughter of Westing's maid. The Westing's paid for her college education and she become the first African American Supreme Court Justice. She is paired with Sandy McSouthers.
Edgar Jennings Plum is the lawyer assigned with carrying out the requirements of Westing's complicated will.
Samuel W. Westing is a self-made millionaire whose life was struck short by personal tragedy. Violet, his daughter, was forced by her mother into an engagement with a politician and committed suicide in despair.
Otis Amber appears to be a delivery boy for Sunset Towers, but he is actually a private investigator. He is paired with Berthe Crow. She is the cleaning lady at Sunset Towers, but is eventually revealed to be Westing's wife. Sandy McSouthers is Sunset Tower's doorman, but this is really Samuel Westing in disguise. He is paired with JJ. Julian R. Eastman is the chairman of Westing Paper Products, but is also just Westing in disguise.