# The Beetle — Character guide

> Key figures in The Beetle by Richard Marsh.

- [Sydney Atherton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/sydney_atherton.md): A mercurial inventor and rival to Paul Lessingham, deeply involved in the central mystery.
- [Paul Lessingham](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/paul_lessingham.md): A prominent politician haunted by a past encounter with a supernatural entity.
- [Marjorie Lindon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/marjorie_lindon.md): The strong-willed daughter of Mr. Lindon, caught between Atherton and Lessingham.
- [Robert Holt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/robert_holt.md): A desperate clerk who becomes a pawn in the Beetle's schemes.
- [The Beetle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/the_beetle.md): A mysterious, shape-shifting entity from Egypt that pursues Lessingham with supernatural powers.
- [Mr. Lindon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/mr_lindon.md): Marjorie's wealthy, protective father who opposes her relationship with Lessingham.
- [Percy Woodville](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/percy_woodville.md): A young man infatuated with Marjorie, used as a tool by others.
- [Augustus Champnell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/augustus_champnell.md): A private detective hired to investigate the strange events surrounding Lessingham.
- [Miss Louisa Coleman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/miss_louisa_coleman.md): A witness who saw something crucial through a window at Mrs. Henderson's.
- [Mrs. Henderson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/mrs_henderson.md): The landlady of a lodging house where a murder occurs.
- [Dora Grayling](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/dora_grayling.md): A young woman connected to the Beetle's past in Egypt.
- [Mr. Bellingham](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/mr_bellingham.md): A colleague or acquaintance of Lessingham with a role in the political subplot.
- [Matthews](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/matthews.md): A servant or employee in the Lindon household.
- [Edwards](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/edwards.md): A minor functionary or servant mentioned in the narrative.
- [Andrews](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/andrews.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or police officer.
- [Mr. Stone](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/mr_stone.md): A minor acquaintance or official encountered in the story.
- [Mr. Phillips](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/mr_phillips.md): A minor character, possibly a lawyer or business associate.
- [Fanchette](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/fanchette.md): A French maid or servant in the Lindon household.
- [Cabby](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/cabby.md): A cab driver who provides transportation and information.
- [Gustus Barley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/gustus_barley.md): A minor character, possibly a constable or local figure.
- [Lord Cantilever](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/lord_cantilever.md): A nobleman mentioned in connection with political circles.
- [Dr. Cotes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/dr_cotes.md): A doctor who examines or treats one of the characters.
- [Hartridge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/hartridge.md): A minor character, possibly a colleague of Atherton.
- [Jones](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/jones.md): A criminal or notorious figure mentioned in passing.
- [Hollo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/hollo.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or local.
- [Ellis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/ellis.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or police officer.
- [Mr. and Mrs. Clements](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/clements.md): A couple who run a lodging house or shop.
- [Dr. Glossop](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters/dr_glossop.md): A doctor consulted regarding the strange events.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/characters