Emily is the 12-year-old protagonist of the novel. She is very curious and likes to explore and do things on her own. She also tends to act quickly and rashly—very rarely does Emily stop to think or hesitate. This is evident in her decision to take the amulet from her great-grandfather’s library despite Navin’s insistence that she leave it on the pedestal.

Emily is greatly impacted by the death of her dad, David, especially because she witnessed it firsthand. While she is happy and upbeat in the Prologue, she becomes much more serious, less emotive, and more argumentative after her dad’s death. She is also very determined to rescue her mom and keep her brother safe, which are characteristics shaped by her experience of being powerless to save her dad in his final moments.

Emily is the great-granddaughter of Silas Charnon, who was a puzzle maker according to Emily’s mom and the owner of the amulet before it is passed down to Emily. Because of her family lineage and the way she inherits the amulet, Emily seems to be predestined or fated for her role as the amulet’s owner. Silas expects great things from her without knowing her very well.