I'm not sure as I haven't read the novel specifically, but typically in a novel with such a title, there might be a character who has recently died or is on the verge of death and is about to embark on this 'new beginning'. There could also be some sort of guide or mentor figure to help them through this transition.
Since I don't have the details of the book, it's hard to say exactly. However, it's common for there to be a protagonist who is forced to confront death and then discovers that it's not the end. There might be other supporting characters like friends or family members from their past life who play a role in their new journey, or perhaps there are otherworldly beings that they encounter in this new phase after death.
The main theme could be about the exploration of death as a new beginning. It might involve concepts such as the afterlife, rebirth, or the transformation that occurs after death.
There's a good chance it is. In horror - themed novels, especially those with a 'kult' element, the concept of death as a starting point can be very terrifying. It could lead to the exploration of dark cult practices, the awakening of evil spirits after death, or the characters being trapped in a never - ending cycle of death and rebirth in a nightmarish way. So, based on the phrase, it has strong potential to be horror - themed.
It could imply that in the context of this 'kult novel', death is not the end but rather the start of something. Maybe it's the beginning of a new journey in the afterlife or a transformation that the characters undergo.
It could be an old man who has lived a full life and is not afraid of death. When he dies, he becomes the main character in this new 'beginning' and we follow his adventures in the afterlife.
Since the title focuses on the villainess, she is surely one of the main characters. But there might also be a protagonist who opposes her or is affected by her actions. There could be other characters like the love interests of either the villainess or the protagonist, or perhaps the villainess's family members who play a role in her journey towards the only ending - death.
It could be a reaper - like a Grim Reaper type of character. Since the story is about death being a beginning, a reaper could be guiding the newly dead into this new phase, and the story could be told from their perspective as they deal with different souls and the concept of this new start.
Perhaps it's a story that uses death as a metaphor for a new beginning. For example, a character may experience a figurative 'death' in their old life, like losing a job or a relationship, and then the 'beginning' could be their journey of self - discovery and rebuilding. The novel could be filled with the character's internal struggles and their exploration of what this new start means for them.
The villainess herself is of course a very important character. Then there are the male leads who are often involved in her story, whether they are her love interests or her antagonists in some ways. There are also servants or side characters who can either help or hinder her progress. For example, a loyal maid might be crucial in providing support, while a scheming noble might be a stumbling block for her.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read the 'death notice novel' in detail. But usually in such novels, there is a protagonist who is likely to be someone involved in solving the mystery or facing the challenges related to the 'death notice'.
The main characters could include the god of death, of course. There might be a human character who has a special connection to the god of death, perhaps a seer or someone with a rare gift. And there could be a council of deities that the god of death has to interact with, whether they are allies or foes. These various characters would each contribute to the overall plot and theme of the novel.