Character guide

Amelia Butterworth

major

Also known as Miss Butterworth, Butterworth, Amelia, Miss Amelia, a Butterworth, Miss Amelia Butterworth, Dear Miss Butterworth, O Miss Butterworth

A sharp-witted spinster who inserts herself into the murder investigation.

Mr. Gryce

major

Also known as Gryce, Instantly Mr. Gryce, VII Mr. Gryce, IX Developments Mr. Gryce, Happily Mr. Gryce

A seasoned detective leading the investigation into the Van Burnam case.

Howard Van Burnam

major

Also known as Mr. Van Burnam, Howard Van Burnam, Mr. ¬ÝVan Burnam, Howard Van Burnam‚Äôs, Instantly Mr. ¬ÝVan Burnam, Mr. Howard Van Burnam, Van Burnam, the Van Burnam family

The eldest Van Burnam son, suspected in his wife's death.

Franklin Van Burnam

major

Also known as Mr. Van Burnam, Franklin, young Mr. Van Burnam, Mr. Franklin Van Burnam, Mr. Franklin, the younger Mr. Van Burnam, young Mr. Van Burnam⁠—Franklin

The younger Van Burnam son, secretive and under suspicion.

Miss Althorpe

supporting

Also known as the rich Miss Althorpe, O Miss Althorpe, the cultured Miss Althorpe

A wealthy heiress and romantic interest of Howard Van Burnam.

Ruth Oliver

supporting

Also known as Oliver, Miss Oliver, Ruth Oliver From Mrs. Desberger, Mrs. Desberger, a Mrs. Desberger, the good - hearted Mrs. Desberger

A mysterious woman connected to the Van Burnam household.

Lena

supporting

Also known as little Lena

A young girl who may have witnessed key events.

Mrs. Van Burnam (Haddam)

major

Also known as Haddam, Mrs. Van Burnam, Mrs. ¬ÝVan Burnam, young Mrs. Van Burnam, Mrs. Van Burnam from Haddam, a Mrs. Van Burnam

Howard's wife, found dead in the Van Burnam house.

Randolph Stone

supporting

Also known as Stone, Mr. Stone

A friend of the Van Burnam family with hidden motives.

Caroline

minor

Also known as the Misses Caroline, Carroll

A Van Burnam sister involved in family affairs.

Mrs. Boppert

minor

Also known as popped Mrs. Boppert

A neighbor who provides gossip and observations.

Isabella Van Burnam

minor

Also known as Isabella, Belle, Van Burnam, Misses Van Burnam

One of the Van Burnam daughters, querulous and opinionated.

Louise Van Burnam

minor

Also known as Louise, Van Burnam, a Van Burnam

Another Van Burnam daughter, quieter than her sisters.

John Randolph

minor

Also known as John

A man with a past connection to the Van Burnam family.

Miss Ferguson

minor

Also known as Dear Miss Ferguson

A friend or acquaintance of Amelia Butterworth.

Bertha Desberger

minor

Also known as Mrs. Desberger, Mrs. Bertha Desberger

A woman who sheltered Ruth Oliver.

Olive Randolph

minor

Also known as Olive

A relative of John Randolph with a role in the mystery.

Coroner Dahl

minor

The coroner who examines the body of Mrs. Van Burnam.

Richard Clapp

minor

Also known as Clapp

A clerk who provides important testimony.

Mrs. Howard Van Burnam

minor

Also known as Mrs. Van Burnam, Howard van Burnam

Howard's wife, distinct from the Haddam Mrs. Van Burnam.

Mr. Alvord

minor

A lawyer or business associate of the Van Burnams.

Altman

minor

Also known as B. Altman

A store where a key purchase was made.

Mr. Pope

minor

Also known as Mrs. Pope, the Mr. James Pope, Pope, Mrs. James Pope, Mr. James Pope, James Pope, the Mr. and Mrs. James Pope

A couple who provide an alibi or information.

Silas Van Burnam

minor

Also known as Mr. Silas Van Burnam, Mr. Van Burnam

The patriarch of the Van Burnam family.

Miss Louise Stapleton

minor

Also known as Miss Stapleton

A woman mentioned in connection with the case.

Mr. Randolph

minor

An older Randolph family member.

Araminta

minor

A servant or minor character in the household.

Mr. Cox

minor

Also known as Cox

A minor official or witness.