Meet the Sinclairs: The Twisted Family Tree Behind We Were Liars

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In the drama “We Were Liars,” viewers are introduced to a family tree that appears flawless but hides a shocking secret, one that its members desperately try to conceal. This new psychological thriller series on Amazon Prime Video centers around the Sinclair family, prominent figures played by Emily Alyn Lind and Rahul Kohli, and their relatives as they enjoy a summer retreat. However, as the veneer of perfection starts to crack, the truth behind their seemingly idyllic lives begins to unravel.

The fresh television show is inspired by young adult novel written by E. Lockhart and shares the same title. It revolves around the character of Cadence Sinclair Eastman, a teenager who goes back to her family’s private island, struggling to recall some unfortunate incidents that occurred two summers ago.

We Were Liars hails from executive producers Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries) and Carina Adly Mackenzie (Roswell, New Mexico). This highly anticipated series made its debut on Wednesday, June 18, as one of Prime Video’s most significant streaming series in 2025. You can now stream all eight episodes instantly.

We Were Liars Family Tree Explained

Harris Sinclair

At the lead position around the Sinclair family dining table resides Harris Sinclair, portrayed by David Morse. Harris serves as the family’s leader and is the main source of their substantial fortune.

In the story “We Were Liars,” the protagonist Cadence refers to her maternal grandfather as “Ganddad.” Despite his prestigious background, having graduated from Harvard and being a highly accomplished businessman who owns the Clairmont House and a private island, Harris plays a pivotal role in the novel’s intricate narrative.

Tipper Sinclair

In the latest show, Wendy Crewson portrays Tipper Sinclair. She predominantly features in flashbacks due to her character’s demise before the primary events of the storyline unfold. Previously the matriarch of the Sinclair family and late wife of Harris, Tipper is now deceased.

Previously called “Granny” by many family members, her passing triggered a rapid deterioration in Harris’s health, escalating conflicts within the family.

Carrie Sinclair

In the “We Were Liars” series, Carrie Sinclair, portrayed by Mamie Gummer, is the eldest among Harris and Tipper’s trio of daughters. She is Johnny’s mother and was previously married to William, though their relationship isn’t depicted in the series.

Ever since my split from my ex-husband, I find myself smitten by the charming character Ed Patil, played by Rahul Kohli in our favorite shows. Yet, despite the blossoming relationship, I’m apprehensive about tying the knot with him because I fear that doing so might jeopardize my inheritance.

Ed Patil

Ed Patil, portrayed by Rahul Kohli, recently joined the Sinclair clan. He is Carrie’s committed partner over a long period of time and the uncle of Gat.

Although Ed and Carrie have been a couple for quite some time, by the start of the story, they haven’t yet tied the knot. This is because Carrie is anxious that getting married might put her substantial inheritance at risk.

Penny Sinclair

Penny Sinclair (played by Caitlin FitzGerald) is the middle Sinclair sister and Cadence’s mother. 

In the summer, as portrayed in “We Were Liars”, she visits her family’s island following her divorce from Mr. Eastman.

William Dennis

Although William Dennis isn’t physically present in the narrative of “We Were Liars“, he is nonetheless a kin within the Sinclair family lineage.

He is Carrie’s ex-husband and Johnny’s father. 

Mr. Eastman

It appears that the Sinclair family has a history of troubled marriages. Penelope “Penny” Sinclair’s former spouse is Mr. Eastman, who is also the estranged father of Cadence.

Just as the troubled marriage between William Dennis and Cadence’s mother casts a shadow over “We Were Liars”, so too does Mr. Eastman’s absence loom large in the narrative, its weight felt keenly by all characters involved.

Bess Sinclair

In simpler terms, Candice King portrays Bess Sinclair, who is the youngest among the three Sinclair sisters. She is the child of Tipper and Harris, and she is also known as Mirren’s mother.

Among the Sinclair sisters, she is the one who seems the most tense and burdened. She frequently voices her concerns about the heavy responsibilities that fell on her shoulders following their mother’s passing, as she strives to manage the family’s matters effectively.

Brody Sheffield

In the latest streaming thriller, Dylan Bruce vividly portrays the character Brody Sheffield. Brody is married to Bess and is the father of Mirren.

Amongst the Sinclair sisters, Brody and Bess appear to be the most prosperous couple at first glance. However, beneath this facade lies a far from content relationship. Due to Brody’s financial difficulties, he relies on Bess for support, using their marriage as a means of staying afloat financially.

Johnny Sinclair Dennis

In the upcoming movie “Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” Joseph Zada plays Johnny Sinclair Dennis, who is Carrie’s eldest son and also the oldest grandchild in the Sinclair family.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but notice that Johnny often finds himself at the heart of the tale, weaving intricate webs of deception. He possesses an impressive physique and raw strength, yet he seems to approach life with a playful, unserious spirit.

Will Sinclair Dennis

Played by Brady Droulis, Will Sinclair Dennis is Johnny’s younger brother and Carrie’s youngest son

Even though he’s still young, Will experiences frequent nightmares throughout the series’ eight episodes, which his mother dismisses as insignificant.

Gat Patil

Gat Patil (brought to life by Shubham Maheshwari) is Ed’s teenage nephew. 

Following the demise of his father, some time prior to the events portrayed in the series, Ed chose to welcome Gat into their household. He brought him along to the Sinclair family’s island for a summer getaway. Now, having entered his teenage years, Gat has been joining his uncle on this island excursion annually since then.

Cadence Sinclair Eastman

Emily Alyn Lind portrays Cadence Sinclair Eastman, who serves as the principal character in “We Were Liars.” As a teenager, she is the central figure around whom the show’s captivating story unfolds. Cadence is the eldest of the Sinclair grandchildren and the sole child of Carrie and Mr. Eastman.

Throughout the series, she often grapples with the consequences of her parents’ divorce, alongside her efforts to recall events from several summers past, following a tragic accident that gave her amnesia and severe headaches.

Mirren Sinclair Sheffield

Esther McGregor portrays Mirren Sinclair Sheffield, who is the eldest child of Bess and Brody, and has sisters named Liberty and Bonnie. She’s also part of a group known as the Liars alongside her cousins, Johnny and Cadence.

She’s renowned for her upbeat personality and stands out as one of the livelier members among the Sinclair grandkids. Yet, she doesn’t shy away from asserting herself when she believes a situation or someone is unjust.

Liberty Sinclair Sheffield

Liberty Sinclair Sheffield is one of the Sinclair-Sheffield twins, the younger sibling to Mirren, who shares a bond as twins with Bonnie, and she is the daughter of Bess and Brody.

Similar to her cherished grandma who has moved on, Liberty appreciates the finer aspects of life. Her interests primarily lie in music, fashion, and cosmetics rather than family matters.

Bonnie Sinclair Sheffield

Bonnie Sinclair Sheffield, the younger of Bess and Brody’s twin girls, is also the little sister of Mirren and the identical sibling of Liberty.

As the show resumes, it is evident that Bonnie has developed an interest in the mysterious realm of the supernatural, delving deeper into the study of spirits, specters, and various unexplained phenomena.

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2025-06-19 23:05