Character guide

Mr. Mallalieu

major

Also known as Mallalieu, Anthony Mallalieu

A wealthy and influential man involved in the town's financial affairs.

Mr. Brereton

major

Also known as Brereton, Mr. Gifford Brereton

A barrister who becomes entangled in the central mystery.

Lettie Cotherstone

major

Also known as Lettie, Cotherstone

The daughter of Mr. Cotherstone, a key figure in the unfolding events.

Mr. Cotherstone

major

Also known as Cotherstone, Milford Cotherstone

A prominent townsman whose past actions drive the plot.

Miss Pett

supporting

Also known as Pett

A woman with a sharp tongue and a role in the community.

Bert Stoner

supporting

Also known as Stoner, young Stoner, Herbert Stoner

A young man connected to the Cotherstone family.

Mr. Kitely

supporting

Also known as Kitely, old Kitely

A former associate of Mr. Cotherstone with a grudge.

Christopher Pett

supporting

Also known as Mr. Pett, Christopher, Chris Pett

A businessman and father of Miss Pett.

John Harborough

supporting

Also known as Harborough, Jack Harborough

A man with a mysterious past linked to the main events.

Avice Harborough

supporting

Also known as Avice, Miss Avice

A young woman connected to John Harborough.

Mr. Bent

supporting

Also known as Bent, young Bent, Windle Bent

A solicitor involved in the legal aspects of the case.

Mr. Carfax

supporting

Also known as Carfax

A detective who investigates the crime.

Mrs. Hamthwaite

minor

Also known as old Mrs. Hamthwaite

An elderly woman who provides local gossip.

David Myler

minor

Also known as Myler, Dave

A servant or employee of the Mallalieu family.

Tallington Brereton

supporting

Also known as Tallington, Mr. Tallington

A lawyer and relative of Mr. Brereton.

Mr. Garthwaite

minor

Also known as Garthwaite

A local businessman and associate of Cotherstone.

Mr. Wraythwaite

supporting

Also known as Wraythwaite, Wraye

A mysterious figure from the past with a secret.

The Doctor

minor

Also known as Dr. Rockcliffe

The local physician who examines the victim.

Lawyer Tallington

minor

Also known as Tallington

A solicitor involved in the legal proceedings.

Mr. Pursey

minor

Also known as old Pursey

An old man who provides information to the police.

Major Stilman

minor

Also known as Stilman

A military man who appears in the story.

Mr. Mayor

minor

The mayor of the town, involved in official matters.

Mr. Leykin

minor

Also known as Leykin

A man who assists in the investigation.

Miss Harborough

minor

A relative of John Harborough.

Popsie

minor

A nickname for a minor character.

Mr. Stobb

minor

Also known as Stobb, Messrs. Stobb

A tradesman or businessman in the town.

Councillor Northrop

minor

Also known as Northrop

A town councillor with a role in local politics.

Mrs. Northrop

minor

Wife of Councillor Northrop.

John Mallows

minor

Also known as Mallows

A partner in the firm Mallows & Chidforth.

Mark Chidforth

minor

Also known as Chidforth

A partner in the firm Mallows & Chidforth.

Mr. Popham

minor

Also known as Popham

A minor official or acquaintance.

Postick

minor

A servant or messenger.

Mrs. Battley

minor

A woman who appears briefly in the narrative.

Young Mrs. Bent

minor

Also known as Mrs. Bent

The wife of young Mr. Bent.