# XIV: The Peroxide Blonde explained — The Big Four

> Chapter companion for The Big Four by Agatha Christie.

## What happens

Poirot and Hastings investigate the Chinatown premises after a gas bomb attack, finding only character notes about themselves. Poirot deduces that Number Four is an actor. They meet Flossie Monro, who gives them a photograph of Claud Darrell. Despite Poirot arranging protection, Flossie is killed in a hit-and-run. They find her flat ransacked and an empty frame with a new label, leading Poirot to conclude that Number Four is Claud Darrell.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Disguise

Number Four's mastery of disguise is central, as Poirot deduces he is an actor who can alter his appearance with makeup and false teeth.

### Intelligence and Deduction

Poirot uses logical deduction to profile Number Four based on physical traits and theatrical skills.

### Fear and Paranoia

The constant threat of the Big Four and the murder of Flossie Monro heighten the sense of danger and surveillance.

## Character check-ins

### Hercule Poirot

Leads the investigation, deduces Number Four is an actor, and vows revenge after Flossie Monro's death.

### Captain Hastings

Narrates the chapter, assists Poirot, and is disappointed by the lack of documents found.

### Inspector Japp

Assists in searching the Chinatown premises and discovers the secret entrance to the subterranean chamber.

### Flossie Monro

A peroxide blonde who provides a photograph of Claud Darrell; she is killed in a hit-and-run before she can help further.

### Number Four

The elusive master of disguise; Poirot identifies him as an actor and later as Claud Darrell.

### Claud Darrell

Revealed as Number Four; his photograph is taken from Flossie Monro's flat, and he leaves a taunting empty frame.

## Key lines

> I was very disappointed with the results of Poirot’s bomb attack on the premises in Chinatown.

Hastings felt let down by the outcome of Poirot's raid on the Chinatown hideout.

_Hastings expresses frustration that the gang leader escaped._

> We know that he is a man of medium height, and of medium or fair colouring.

Poirot concludes that Number Four is of average height and light complexion.

_Poirot deduces physical traits of Number Four from his various disguises._

> The stars fight against us—but is it the stars?

Poirot wonders if Flossie Monro's death was fate or deliberate murder.

_Poirot questions whether the setback is due to destiny or the enemy's actions._

> Claud Darrell—alias Number Four!

Poirot identifies Claud Darrell as the mysterious Number Four.

_The chapter ends with the revelation that Number Four is Claud Darrell._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_four_se/chapters/xiv-the-peroxide-blonde
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_four_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_four_se/chapters