Character guide

Mr. Byrd

major

Also known as Horace Byrd, Byrd, young Horace

A lawyer and amateur detective who becomes central to unraveling the murder case.

Imogene Dare

major

Also known as Miss Dare, Imogene, Miss Imogene Dare

A young woman at the heart of the mystery, whose actions and secrets drive the plot.

Mr. Orcutt

major

Also known as Tremont B. Orcutt, Tremont Orcutt, Orcutt

A lawyer involved in the case, possibly with conflicting interests.

Mr. Hickory

major

Also known as Hickory, Frank Hickory, Alias Frank Hickory

A persistent detective who works on the case alongside Byrd.

Craik Mansell

major

Also known as Mansell, Craik, young Mansell

A man whose identity and connection to the crime are questioned.

Mr. Mansell

supporting

Also known as Mansell

An older Mansell, possibly related to Craik, with a role in the background.

Mr. Gryce

supporting

Also known as Gryce

A senior detective who appears later in the investigation.

Mr. Hildreth

supporting

Also known as young Mr. Hildreth, Gouverneur Hildreth, Hildreth

A young man connected to the Dare family, possibly a suitor.

Mrs. Clemmens

major

Also known as Widow Clemmens, Clemmens, Mary Ann Clemmens

A widow whose husband's death is the central crime of the story.

Miss Firman

supporting

Also known as VII Miss Firman

A woman who provides information or testimony in the case.

Mr. Ferris

supporting

Also known as District Attorney Ferris

The district attorney prosecuting the case.

Mr. Brown

minor

Also known as Brown, the indefatigable Brown

A detective or assistant who aids in the investigation.

Mr. Goodman

minor

A minor character, possibly a lawyer or official.

Professor Darling

minor

A professor, possibly an expert witness or acquaintance.

Sibley

minor

Also known as Othello Sibley

A person connected to the Clemmens household.

Miss Tremaine

minor

A woman who appears in the social circle of the characters.

Judge Evans

supporting

Also known as the Judge

The judge presiding over the trial.

Mrs. Firman

minor

Also known as old Mrs. Firman

An older woman, possibly related to Miss Firman.

Mrs. Hart

minor

A minor character, possibly a housekeeper or neighbor.

Sally Perkins

minor

Also known as old Sally Perkins

A servant or older woman in the household.

Mr. Lord

minor

A minor character, possibly a lawyer or official.

Emily

minor

Also known as Emily Letitia Firman, Dear Emily

A woman connected to the Firman family.

Mr. Duryea

minor

Also known as Duryea

A minor character, possibly a lawyer or witness.

Mr. Symonds

minor

Also known as Symonds

A minor character, possibly a clerk or official.

Clement Smith

minor

Also known as Mr. Smith, Smith

A minor character, possibly a witness.

Miss Hart

minor

A young woman, possibly related to Mrs. Hart.

Miss Pratt

minor

Also known as Pratt

A minor character, possibly a friend or acquaintance.

Miss Darling

minor

A young woman, possibly related to Professor Darling.

Mrs. Orcutt

minor

Wife of Mr. Orcutt, appears briefly.

Stephen Orcutt

minor

Also known as old Stephen Orcutt

An older relative of Mr. Orcutt.

Hunt

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or worker.