Character guide

Valeria

major

Also known as Mrs. Valeria, Pretty Mrs. Valeria, Merry Mrs. Valeria, Dear Mrs. Valeria, Clever Mrs. Valeria, Injured Mrs. Valeria, Cruel Mrs. Valeria

The determined narrator and protagonist who investigates her husband's past.

Eustace Macallan

major

Also known as Mr. Eustace Macallan, Eustace, Mr. Macallan, Mr. Eustace Woodville, Eustace Woodville

Valeria's husband, accused of poisoning his first wife.

Miserrimus Dexter

major

Also known as Dexter, Know Miserrimus Dexter, mad Miserrimus Dexter, So Dexter, Prince Dexter

A brilliant, eccentric cripple with a dark secret about the poisoning.

Major Fitz-David

supporting

Also known as Major, Dear Major Fitz-David, the Major, The quick-witted Major, David

Valeria's witty and loyal friend who helps her investigations.

Mr. Playmore

supporting

Also known as wise and prudent Mr. Playmore, Even Mr. Playmore, good Mr. Playmore

The family lawyer who assists Valeria with the case.

Mrs. Macallan

supporting

Also known as Macallan, Poor Mrs. Macallan, Mrs. Eustace Macallan, Mrs. Macallan the elder, the late Mrs. Eustace

Eustace's mother, a formidable woman who opposes Valeria.

Mrs. Beauly

supporting

Also known as Even Mrs. Beauly, Beauly, Mrs. Borgia - Beauly, Helena Beauly, Helena

A beautiful woman suspected of poisoning Eustace's first wife.

Benjamin

supporting

Also known as old Benjamin, Mr. Benjamin, simple old Benjamin, dear old Benjamin, good Benjamin, good old Benjamin, Even Benjamin, Kindhearted Benjamin, My kind old Benjamin

Valeria's elderly, devoted father who supports her marriage.

Ariel

supporting

Also known as Even Ariel, Happy Ariel, Admirable Ariel

Miserrimus Dexter's devoted and mysterious female attendant.

Mr. Dexter

minor

Also known as Dexter, The crippled Mr. Dexter, Poor Mr. Dexter

Miserrimus Dexter's more conventional brother.

Lady Clarinda

minor

Also known as Clarinda

A noblewoman who befriends Valeria during her investigations.

Mr. Woodville

minor

Also known as Eustace, Mr. Eustace Woodville

Eustace's alias used during his courtship of Valeria.

Doctor Starkweather

minor

Also known as Starkweather, the Reverend Doctor Starkweather, Dr. Starkweather

The clergyman who marries Valeria and Eustace.

Sarah

minor

Also known as Sara, Sara Macallan

Eustace's first wife who died under suspicious circumstances.

Mr. Gale

minor

Also known as Mr. Alexander Gale, Alexander

A friend of the Macallan family who testifies at the trial.

Christina Ormsay

minor

A witness connected to the poisoning case.

Cunegonda

minor

Mrs. Macallan's foreign maid with a mysterious past.

Phoebe

minor

A servant at Gleninch who provides key information.

Mirliflore

minor

Also known as Madame Mirliflore

A Frenchwoman involved in the Beauly affair.

Doctor Jerome

minor

A medical expert who testifies at the trial.

Miss Hoighty

minor

A gossipy acquaintance of the Macallan family.

Angelica

minor

Also known as the Lady Angelica, The Lady Angelica

A character in a story told by Miserrimus Dexter.

Lord Advocate

minor

Also known as The merciless Lord Advocate, the Lord Advocate

The prosecutor in Eustace Macallan's trial.

Oliver

minor

A servant at Miserrimus Dexter's house.

Lady Brydehaven

minor

A society figure mentioned in connection with Mrs. Beauly.

Mr. Drew

minor

A lawyer who assists Valeria with legal matters.

Dandie

minor

A dog belonging to Miserrimus Dexter.

Robert Lorrie

minor

Also known as Lorrie

A witness who provides evidence about the poisoning.