The Clue · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Clue by Carolyn Wells.
Schuyler Carleton
major
Also known as Mr. Carleton, Carleton, Schuyler, Mr. Schuyler Carleton, old Schuyler, Mrs. Carleton
A wealthy, enigmatic man whose household is central to the mystery.
Rob Fessenden
major
Also known as Fessenden, Rob, Robert Fessenden, Mr. Fessenden, young Fessenden
A determined detective investigating the case with personal stakes.
Madeleine Van Norman
major
Also known as Miss Madeleine, Madeleine, Van Norman, Miss Van Norman, Maddy, Maddy Van Norman, the magnificent Madeleine, Magnificent Madeleine
A beautiful and wealthy young woman at the heart of the Van Norman family.
Kitty French
supporting
Also known as Miss French, Kitty, Miss Kitty French, little Kitty, bewitching little Kitty, wise little Kitty
A lively, perceptive young woman and friend to Madeleine.
Elizabeth Morton
major
Also known as Miss Morton, Miss Elizabeth Morton, this Miss Morton, the Miss Morton, Morton, Dear Miss Morton
A mysterious visitor whose arrival triggers the central events.
Tom Willard
supporting
Also known as Tom, young Tom Willard, Willard, Dear old Tom, young Willard, Mr. Willard, Young Willard, Poor Tom
A loyal friend and confidant to several characters.
Cicely Dupuy
supporting
Also known as Cicely, Cicely Dupuy, Miss Dupuy, Poor Miss Dupuy, Dupuy
A troubled young woman with secrets connected to the crime.
Fleming Stone
supporting
Also known as Stone, Mr. Fleming Stone, Mr. Stone
A brilliant detective brought in to solve the case.
Molly Gardner
minor
Also known as Marie, Molly, Miss Gardner
A young woman with a connection to the Van Norman household.
Mr. Benson
supporting
Also known as Mr. Benson, Surely Mr. Benson, Coroner Benson, VIII A Soft Lead Pencil Coroner Benson, But Coroner Benson
The coroner investigating the death.
Mrs. Markham
minor
Also known as Mrs. Markham
A housekeeper or matron in the household.
Doctor Hills
minor
Also known as Doctor, young Hills, the younger doctor
A physician attending to the case.
Miss Burt
supporting
Also known as Miss Burt, Dorothy Burt, XII Dorothy Burt, little Dorothy, poor little Dorothy, Dorothy, pretty Dorothy
A young woman whose testimony proves crucial.
Doctor Leonard
minor
Also known as Doctor Leonard, Leonard
Another physician involved in the investigation.
Richard Van Norman
minor
Also known as old Richard Van Norman, Richard Van Norman, Mr. Van Norman, Mr. Richard Van Norman, the Van Norman, Richard, the late Mr. Van Norman
The deceased patriarch of the Van Norman family.
Fairbanks
minor
Also known as Fairbanks, Mr. Fairbanks, Surely Mr. Fairbanks, Detective Fairbanks
A detective assisting with the case.
Hunt
minor
Also known as Hunt, Mr. Hunt
A minor character involved in the investigation.
Harris
minor
Also known as Harris, James Harris
A servant or minor household member.
Mr. Taylor
minor
Also known as Mr. Taylor, A Confession Mr. Taylor
A character who makes a confession.
Slim Jim
minor
Also known as Slim Jim
A shady character with possible involvement in the crime.
Tripp
minor
Also known as Tripp
A minor character who appears during the investigation.
Mr. Peabody
minor
Also known as Mr. Peabody
A minor character mentioned in passing.
