The Footsteps at the Lock · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Footsteps at the Lock by Ronald A. Knox.
Derek Burtell
major
Also known as Derek, Mr. Burtell, Mr. Derek Burtell, the elder Burtell, old man Burtell
Elder cousin involved in a mysterious disappearance at Shipcote Lock.
Nigel Burtell
major
Also known as Nigel, Mr. Burtell, Nigel Burtell, Mr. Nigel Burtell, young Nigel, Master Nigel
Younger cousin whose canoe is found adrift, sparking the central mystery.
Miles Bredon
major
Also known as Miles Bredon, Bredon, Miles
Detective investigating the case, often narrating the proceedings.
Mr. Leyland
supporting
Also known as Leyland, Poor Mr. Leyland, Inspector Leyland
Police inspector assisting Bredon in the investigation.
Angela
supporting
Also known as Lie Angela, Angela
A woman connected to the Burtell family and the events at the lock.
Mr. Erasmus Quirk
supporting
Also known as Mr. Erasmus Quirk, Mr. Quirk, Quirk, the late Mr. Quirk
A mysterious figure whose disappearance adds to the intrigue.
Mrs. Bredon
supporting
Also known as Mrs. Bredon, Dear Mrs. Bredon
Miles Bredon's wife, who provides support and insight.
Mrs. Coolman
minor
Also known as Mrs. Coolman
A local resident with knowledge of the Burtell family.
Mr. Burgess
supporting
Also known as Mr. Burgess, Burgess, poor old Burgess, old Burgess, Mrs. Burgess
A lock-keeper who provides key information about the incident.
The Stranger
minor
Also known as the stranger, The stranger
An enigmatic figure seen near the lock around the time of the disappearance.
Edward Farris
minor
Also known as Farris, Edward Farris, Mr. Farris, Mr. Edward Farris
A witness who provides a crucial alibi.
Aunt Alma
minor
Also known as Aunt Alma, Alma
An elderly relative of the Burtell cousins.
Mr. H. Anderton
minor
Also known as Mr. H. Anderton, H. Anderton, Mr. Anderton, the useful Mr. Anderton
A helpful local who assists with the investigation.
Carmichael
minor
Also known as Carmichael, Mr. Carmichael
A colleague of Bredon's from the insurance office.
Luke Wallace
minor
Also known as Luke Wallace, Wallace, Mr. Wallace, Mr. Luke Wallace, Mr. L. Wallace, L. Wallace
A boatman who discovers the adrift canoe.
Dr. Simmonds
minor
Also known as Dr. Simmonds, Simmonds, Dr.
The local doctor who examines the scene.
Sholto
minor
Also known as Sholto
A friend or associate of the Burtell family.
Sir John Burtell
minor
Also known as Sir John Burtell, John, Sir John, John Burtell
The late father of Derek and Nigel, mentioned in the story.
Uncle Robert
minor
Also known as Uncle Robert
An uncle of the Burtell cousins who appears briefly.
Lizzy
minor
Also known as Lizzy
A maid or servant in the Burtell household.
Charles Burtell
minor
Also known as Charles, Mrs. Charles Burtell, Chuck, Burtell
A relative of the Burtell family, mentioned in passing.
George Lowther
minor
Also known as George Lowther, Lowther
A man who provides information about the Burtell family history.
