Character guide

The Narrator

major

Also known as I, me, myself, mine

The first-person narrator and focal character, the vicar of St. Mary Mead.

Lawrence Redding

major

Also known as Mr. Redding, young Lawrence Redding, young Mr. Redding, Mr. Lawrence Redding

A young artist and suspect in the murder, romantically involved with Anne Protheroe.

Miss Marple

major

Also known as Old Miss Marple, Marple, that funny old Miss Marple

An elderly spinster and amateur detective who solves the murder.

Griselda

supporting

Also known as dear Griselda

The vicar's young, energetic wife and a key confidante.

Colonel Melchett

supporting

Also known as Melchett

The local chief constable investigating the murder.

Anne Protheroe

major

Also known as Anne, Poor old Protheroe, old Protheroe

The wife of Colonel Protheroe and a suspect in his murder.

Lettice Protheroe

supporting

Also known as dear Lettice, Miss Lettice, Miss Protheroe, Miss Lettice Protheroe

Colonel Protheroe's daughter from his first marriage.

Dr. Haydock

supporting

Also known as Haydock

The village doctor and a friend of the vicar.

Inspector Slack

supporting

Also known as Slack

The police inspector leading the official investigation.

Mrs. Protheroe

supporting

Also known as the second Mrs. Protheroe, the first Mrs. Protheroe

Colonel Protheroe's second wife, also a suspect.

Dennis Clement

supporting

Also known as Mr. Dennis, dear Mr. Clement, Clement, Mr. Clement, Mr. Dennis Clement

The vicar's nephew and a young curate.

Colonel Protheroe

major

Also known as old Protheroe, Poor Colonel Protheroe, Colonel

The murdered man, a disliked local landowner.

Mr. Hawes

supporting

Also known as Hawes, poor Mr. Hawes, the unlucky Hawes, That poor devil Hawes

The nervous and troubled curate at the vicarage.

Miss Cram

supporting

Also known as Miss Gladys Cram, Gladys Cram, little Gladys, Gladys, The fair Gladys

A young woman working at the vicarage, later revealed as a typist.

Mrs. Lestrange

supporting

Also known as a Mrs. Lestrange, Still Mrs. Lestrange, Lestrange

A mysterious newcomer to the village with a hidden past.

Mary

minor

Also known as Mollie Carter, the Mystery Lady of St. Mary Mead, St. Mary Mead

A young woman who appears in the village, later identified as a former maid.

Dr. Stone

minor

Also known as Stone, And Dr. Stone, the celebrated Dr. Stone, poor Dr. Stone

An archaeologist visiting the area for a dig.

Mrs. Price Ridley

minor

Also known as deplored Mrs. Price Ridley, This Mrs. Price Ridley

A gossipy and judgmental village matron.

Raymond West

minor

Also known as Master Raymond West, Mr. Raymond West, Mr. West

Miss Marple's nephew, a writer.

Len

minor

Also known as Uncle Len

A relative of the vicar, mentioned in correspondence.

Miss Hartnell

minor

Also known as Hartnell

A village spinster and gossip.

Rosalind

minor

Also known as Lily Rose, Rose

A young woman associated with the Protheroe household.

Archer

minor

Also known as An old Mrs. Archer, Mrs. Archer, old Mrs. Archer, rascal Archer, Old Mrs. Archer

An elderly woman in the village, mother of a local rascal.

Miss Wetherby

minor

Also known as the softer-hearted Miss Wetherby, Wetherby

A kind-hearted village spinster.

Mrs. Clement

minor

Also known as Clement

The vicar's mother, living with the family.

Constable Hurst

minor

Also known as Hurst

A local police constable assisting the investigation.

Gladdie

minor

A maid in the Protheroe household.

Mary Hill

minor

Also known as Mary

A servant at the vicarage.

Lucius

minor

A name mentioned in passing, possibly a historical figure.

Reeves

minor

A servant or employee of Colonel Protheroe.

Manning

minor

A name mentioned in the investigation.

Dr. Roberts

minor

A doctor mentioned in passing.

Mrs. Simmons

minor

A village woman mentioned briefly.

Mrs. Pratt

minor

A village woman mentioned briefly.