Character guide

Mr. Elmer Ludgrove

major

Also known as Mr. Ludgrove, old Ludgrove, Ludgrove, Elmer Ludgrove

A venerable and wealthy resident of Praed Street, central to the mystery.

Mr. Samuel Copperdock

major

Also known as Mr. Copperdock, Sam Copperdock, Sam, Copperdock, Samuel Copperdock

A herbalist in Praed Street, whose shop becomes a focal point of the crimes.

Inspector Whyland

major

Also known as V Inspector Whyland, Inspector, Whyland

A Scotland Yard inspector investigating the Praed Street murders.

Inspector Hanslet

supporting

Also known as Hanslet

A Scotland Yard inspector working alongside Whyland on the case.

Ted Copperdock

supporting

Also known as young Ted Copperdock, young Ted, Edward, Ted Copperdock, young Copperdock

The son of Samuel Copperdock, involved in the family business.

Dr. Morlandson

major

Also known as Morlandson, this Dr. Morlandson

A doctor whose trial is a key event in the investigation.

Mr. James Tovey

supporting

Also known as Mr. Tovey, James Tovey, Tovey, Jim, Jim Tovey, poor Jim

A victim of the Praed Street murders, found dead early in the story.

Dr. Priestley

major

A brilliant amateur detective who aids the police in solving the case.

Mr. Jacob Martin

supporting

Also known as Mr. Martin, Martin, this unfortunate Mr. Martin

A resident of Praed Street who becomes a suspect in the murders.

Harold Merefield

supporting

Also known as Harold

Dr. Priestley's assistant and secretary.

Mr. Richard Pargent

supporting

Also known as Poet Mr. Richard Pargent, Mr. Pargent, Richard Pargent, Pargent, This fellow Pargent

A poet and resident of Praed Street, involved in the events.

Mrs. Tovey

minor

Also known as poor old Tovey

The wife of James Tovey, grieving his murder.

Ivy Tovey

supporting

Also known as Ivy, Miss Ivy, the expert Ivy, Tovey

The daughter of James Tovey, a young woman with a secret.

Wal Snyder

minor

Also known as young Wal, Wal, Young Wal Snyder, young Snyder

A young man associated with the Copperdock household.

Ben Colburn

minor

Also known as old Ben Colburn, Ben Colburn, Old Ben Colburn, Old Ben, old Ben, Ben

An elderly resident of Praed Street, a friend of Ludgrove.

Dick Colburn

minor

Also known as Dick, young Dick, Dick Colburn

The son of Ben Colburn, a young man in the neighborhood.

The Black Sailor

supporting

Also known as The Avenger The Black Sailor, Black Sailor

A mysterious figure who haunts Praed Street, possibly the killer.

Waters

minor

A police constable assisting in the investigation.

Mr. Lacey

minor

Also known as Lacey

A resident of Praed Street, possibly a witness.

Mr. Houlder

minor

Also known as Houlder

A character mentioned in connection with the case.

Lord Whatley

minor

Also known as This Lord Whatley

A nobleman referenced in the investigation.

The Professor

minor

Also known as Professor, the Professor, XXI An Explanation The Professor

A mysterious academic figure who appears late in the story.

John Lacey

minor

Also known as John R. Lacey, this Lacey

A relative of Mr. Lacey, possibly involved in the crimes.

Mr. Briggs

minor

A minor character in the Praed Street community.

Mr. Goodwin

minor

Also known as Goodwin

A character mentioned in passing during the investigation.

Miss Tovey

minor

Another daughter of the Tovey family.

Miss Margaret

minor

A young woman associated with the Copperdock household.

Mrs. Cooper

minor

A neighbor in Praed Street.

Lady Mary Mayfair

minor

Also known as Mary the parlourmaid, Mary

A parlourmaid in the Ludgrove household.

Mr. Deacon

minor

Also known as Deacon

A character mentioned in the narrative.

Young Alf

minor

Also known as Alf

A young man in the Praed Street area.

Clara Pargent

minor

Also known as Clara, Miss Clara Pargent, Miss Clara

The daughter of Richard Pargent.

Old Sam Copperdock

minor

Also known as Old Sam

An older relative of Samuel Copperdock.

Joe Stiggs

minor

A minor character mentioned in the story.