Character guide

F. T. Carrington

major

Also known as Mr. Carrington, Mr. F. T. Carrington, Carrington, Stanesland Mr. Carrington

A leisurely gentleman who becomes deeply involved in the mysteries at Stanesland.

Simon Rattar

major

Also known as Mr. Rattar, Mr. Simon Rattar, old Simon, Silent Simon, old Rattar

A silent, enigmatic figure whose past and actions drive much of the plot.

Ned Cromarty

major

Also known as Mr. Cromarty of Stanesland, Mr. Cromarty, Ned, Cromarty, Uncle Ned

The heir to Stanesland, caught in a web of family secrets and danger.

Cicely Farmond

major

Also known as Miss Farmond, Miss Cicely Farmond, Cicely, Farmond

A spirited young woman who becomes a key figure in the unfolding drama.

Mary MacLean

supporting

Also known as Mary, the imaginative Mary MacLean

An imaginative woman whose perspective provides insight into events.

James Bisset

supporting

Also known as Bisset, Mr. James Bisset, Mr. Bisset, the learned Bisset

A learned man who assists with deductive reasoning and investigation.

Sir Reginald Cromarty

supporting

Also known as Reginald, Sir Reginald, Reggie, old Cromarty

The late patriarch of Stanesland, whose death sets events in motion.

Malcolm Cromarty

supporting

Also known as Sir Malcolm, Malcolm, Mr. Malcolm Cromarty, Mr. Malcolm

A conceited young man with ambitions regarding the Cromarty estate.

Lady Cromarty

supporting

Also known as Cromarty

The matriarch of the Cromarty family, holding secrets of the past.

George Rattar

supporting

Also known as brother George, George, Geordie, Mr. George Rattar

Simon Rattar's brother, whose actions have far-reaching consequences.

Miss Peterkin

minor

A local woman who provides information and local color.

Mr. MacAlister

minor

A figure involved in the legal and procedural aspects of the story.

Lilian Cromarty

minor

Also known as Lilian

A member of the Cromarty family with a role in the domestic sphere.

Mr. Ison

minor

Also known as old Ison, the not too observant Ison

A not-too-observant servant or local who misses key details.

Superintendent Sutherland

minor

Also known as Sutherland, old Sutherland

A police superintendent involved in the official investigation.

Louisa Dawkins

minor

Also known as Louisa, Dawkins

A woman whose presence adds a layer of personal intrigue.

Robbie

minor

A minor character who appears briefly in the narrative.

Janet

minor

A servant or local woman mentioned in passing.

Shearer

minor

A minor character with a brief role in the story.

Margaret

minor

A name mentioned in the context of family or local history.