Character guide

Margaret Harrison

major

Also known as Mrs. Harrison, Harrison, poor Mrs. Harrison, the excellent Harrison, The earnest Harrison, Mrs. Margaret Harrison

Central character; her death and the circumstances surrounding it drive the plot.

John Munting

major

Also known as Mr. Munting, Munting, Mr. John Munting, John, J. Munting, Jack Munting, Jack

A writer and amateur investigator who pieces together the story from documents.

Harwood Lathom

major

Also known as Lathom, Mr. Lathom, young Lathom, Young Lathom, Mr. Harwood Lathom, Ef Mr. Lathom

A young man involved with Margaret Harrison; his relationship with her is central to the mystery.

Paul Harrison

major

Also known as Mr. Harrison, Harrison, Mr. Paul Harrison, young Mr. Harrison, Paul

Margaret's husband; his behavior and statements are key to the investigation.

George Harrison

supporting

Also known as George

Paul's brother; corresponds with Paul and provides insight into the family dynamic.

Agatha Milsom

supporting

Also known as Miss Milsom, Aggie, Milsom, Miss Agatha Milsom, poor Milsom

A friend of Margaret's who writes letters revealing her concerns and observations.

Elizabeth Drake

supporting

Also known as Elizabeth, Miss Drake

John Munting's correspondent; receives his letters and is a confidante.

Sir James Lubbock

supporting

Also known as Jim, Jimmy, Sir James, James Lubbock, Lubbock

A friend of the Harrisons; his presence at key moments adds to the narrative.

Dr. Waters

supporting

Also known as Waters

The family doctor; his medical opinion is crucial to the case.

Mr. Perry

minor

Also known as Perry

A local figure; his interactions with the characters are noted.

Petra

minor

Also known as Petra darling

A character mentioned in correspondence; likely a friend or relative.

Mrs. Cutts

minor

Also known as Cutts

A character in the household; her role is peripheral.

Bungie

minor

Also known as Darling old Bungie, Darling Bungie, Dear Bungie, Beloved Bungie, Dearest and most wonderful Bungie

A nickname used in letters; likely a close friend or family member.

Archie Cutts

minor

Also known as Archie, The youth Archie

A young man; his actions are mentioned in the narrative.

Professor Matthews

minor

Also known as Matthews

An academic; his expertise is referenced.

Marlowe

minor

A name mentioned; possibly a historical or literary reference.

Einstein

minor

Referenced in discussion; not a character in the story.

Dr. Trevor

minor

A medical professional; his opinion is sought.

The Gorgon

minor

Also known as Gorgon

A metaphorical or nicknamed character; possibly a stern figure.

Olive Farebrother

minor

Also known as Dear Olive, Olive

Recipient of Agatha's letters; a friend.

The Bear

minor

Also known as Mr. Bear

A nickname; possibly a pet name for a character.

Mrs. Munting

minor

Also known as Neither Munting

John Munting's mother; appears in the background.

Ronnie Farebrother

minor

Also known as Ronnie

A relative of Olive; mentioned in letters.

Professor Hoskyns

minor

Also known as Hoskyns

An academic; his views are cited.

Merritt & Hopkins

minor

Also known as Merritt, old Merritt

A firm or individuals; their role is minor.

Tom

minor

Also known as Tell Tom

A name mentioned; likely a servant or acquaintance.

Dr. Leader

minor

Also known as Mr. Leader, Leader

A doctor; his involvement is peripheral.

Mother

minor

A generic reference to someone's mother.

Mr. Pecksniff

minor

A literary allusion; not a real character.

Harold Coffin

minor

Also known as Coffin

A name mentioned; possibly a friend or colleague.

Burrage

minor

A name mentioned; role unclear.

Dr. Hughes

minor

Also known as Hughes, Dr. Hughes of Bovey Tracey

A doctor; his opinion is referenced.

Joan

minor

A name mentioned; likely a friend or relative.

Mrs. Farebrother

minor

Also known as the wretched young Farebrother

A relative of Olive; mentioned in passing.

Amanita muscaria

minor

A type of mushroom; relevant to the plot.

Sir Gilbert Pugh

minor

Also known as Lambert

A name mentioned; possibly a legal or official figure.

Sir Maurice Berkeley

minor

Also known as Sir Maurice

A name mentioned; possibly a historical figure.

Georges Dandin

minor

A literary reference; not a character.

J. D. Beresford

minor

Likely the author; not a character.

Lolo

minor

A name mentioned; possibly a pet or child.

Deceased

minor

A generic reference to a dead person.

Dilkes

minor

A name mentioned; role unclear.

Juggins

minor

A name mentioned; possibly a servant.

Henry Trefusis

minor

Also known as Harry Trefusis

A name mentioned; possibly a relative.

Halliday

minor

A name mentioned; role unclear.

Lady Tottenham

minor

A name mentioned; possibly a social acquaintance.