Character guide

Sydney Atherton

major

Also known as Mr. Atherton, Atherton, Sidney, bee Sydney, Mr. Sydney Atherton, The mercurial Sydney

A mercurial inventor and rival to Paul Lessingham, deeply involved in the central mystery.

Paul Lessingham

major

Also known as Mr. Lessingham, Lessingham, Mr. Paul Lessingham, the great Paul Lessingham, Paul

A prominent politician haunted by a past encounter with a supernatural entity.

Marjorie Lindon

major

Also known as Miss Lindon, Lindon, Miss Marjorie Lindon, Miss Marjorie

The strong-willed daughter of Mr. Lindon, caught between Atherton and Lessingham.

Robert Holt

major

Also known as Mr. Holt, Holt, hysterical Mr. Holt

A desperate clerk who becomes a pawn in the Beetle's schemes.

The Beetle

major

Also known as Beetle, The Beetle, the Beetle, the stranger, the man, this man, An Arab, Arab, The Arab, the Arab, Mr. Pleesman, Harab, the Harab

A mysterious, shape-shifting entity from Egypt that pursues Lessingham with supernatural powers.

Mr. Lindon

supporting

Also known as Lindon, Old Lindon, old Lindon, Papa, papa

Marjorie's wealthy, protective father who opposes her relationship with Lessingham.

Percy Woodville

supporting

Also known as Percy, Woodville

A young man infatuated with Marjorie, used as a tool by others.

Augustus Champnell

supporting

Also known as Mr. Champnell, Champnell, a Mr. Augustus Champnell

A private detective hired to investigate the strange events surrounding Lessingham.

Miss Louisa Coleman

supporting

Also known as Louisa, Miss Coleman

A witness who saw something crucial through a window at Mrs. Henderson's.

Mrs. Henderson

supporting

Also known as Mrs. ’ Enderson

The landlady of a lodging house where a murder occurs.

Dora Grayling

supporting

Also known as Miss Grayling, Grayling, Miss Dora Grayling

A young woman connected to the Beetle's past in Egypt.

Mr. Bellingham

minor

Also known as Bellingham, George Bellingham, George

A colleague or acquaintance of Lessingham with a role in the political subplot.

Matthews

minor

A servant or employee in the Lindon household.

Edwards

minor

A minor functionary or servant mentioned in the narrative.

Andrews

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or police officer.

Mr. Stone

minor

A minor acquaintance or official encountered in the story.

Mr. Phillips

minor

A minor character, possibly a lawyer or business associate.

Fanchette

minor

A French maid or servant in the Lindon household.

Cabby

minor

A cab driver who provides transportation and information.

Gustus Barley

minor

A minor character, possibly a constable or local figure.

Lord Cantilever

minor

A nobleman mentioned in connection with political circles.

Dr. Cotes

minor

A doctor who examines or treats one of the characters.

Hartridge

minor

A minor character, possibly a colleague of Atherton.

Jones

minor

Also known as Jones the Notorious

A criminal or notorious figure mentioned in passing.

Hollo

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or local.

Ellis

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or police officer.

Mr. and Mrs. Clements

minor

Also known as Mrs. Clements

A couple who run a lodging house or shop.

Dr. Glossop

minor

A doctor consulted regarding the strange events.