Harriet Reed is the narrator and heroine of The Family Game. Harriet was orphaned when she was 11 years old, making her desire to have a family all the more poignant. She’s a British thriller author who moves to New York City to move in with her boyfriend, Edward. Harriet has a good life; she and Edward get engaged and pregnant, and her novel becomes a bestseller. But Harriet’s life is complicated and even threatened by revelations of Edward’s family. Harriet is, at first, determined to form a good relationship with the Holbecks. She wants Edward to be a part of his family, and she doesn’t want to be intimidated by anyone or anything. Harriet is characterized through her compassion, grit, and determination. She proves herself capable of great feats of courage and loyalty during the Krampusnacht game. She is not easily scared off, which demonstrates her courage and fortitude. Harriet’s courage is put to the test as she learns more about the secrets of the Holbeck family, which culminates in a horrifying night in the countryside. Even the fear for her own life and that of her unborn child doesn’t deter Harriet from confronting the truth and dealing with violent confrontation.