Character guide

Hercule Poirot

major

Also known as Monsieur Poirot, old Poirot, Mr. Poirot, Poirot

The brilliant Belgian detective investigating the murder at Styles Court.

John Cavendish

major

Also known as Mr. Cavendish, Cavendish, Mr. John Cavendish, Monsieur John

Elder son of Mrs. Inglethorp, a key suspect in the murder.

Emily Inglethorp

major

Also known as Mrs. Inglethorp, old Mrs. Inglethorp, Emily, Aunt Emily, Poor Emily

The wealthy victim of poisoning at Styles Court.

Alfred Inglethorp

major

Also known as Mr. Inglethorp, Alfred, Mr. Alfred Inglethorp

The much younger husband of Emily Inglethorp, a prime suspect.

Mary Cavendish

major

Also known as Cavendish

John Cavendish's beautiful and enigmatic wife.

Evelyn Howard

supporting

Also known as Miss Howard, Evie, Evelyn

Mrs. Inglethorp's former companion who left abruptly before the murder.

Cynthia Murdoch

supporting

Also known as Cynthia, Mademoiselle Cynthia, little Cynthia, Miss Cynthia, Miss Murdoch

A young woman living at Styles, working as a VAD nurse.

Lawrence Cavendish

supporting

Also known as Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence Cavendish, Monsieur Lawrence

John's younger brother, a quiet and intellectual man.

Dorcas

supporting

Also known as the brave Dorcas, Mademoiselle Dorcas, Dear old Dorcas, The good Dorcas

The loyal and observant housekeeper at Styles Court.

Dr. Bauerstein

supporting

Also known as Bauerstein, IX Dr. Bauerstein

A toxicology expert and friend of the Cavendish family.

Inspector Japp

supporting

Also known as Detective - Inspector Japp, Japp

A Scotland Yard detective who works alongside Poirot.

Arthur Hastings

major

Also known as Hastings, Mr. Hastings

Poirot's friend and the narrator of the story.

Sir Ernest Heavywether

supporting

Also known as Heavywether, Sir Ernest, Ernest

The famous barrister defending Alfred Inglethorp at trial.

Annie

minor

A maid at Styles Court who provides key testimony.

Mr. Wells

minor

Also known as Wells

The family solicitor who reads Mrs. Inglethorp's will.

Dr. Wilkins

minor

Also known as Wilkins, Little Wilkins

The local doctor who attends to Mrs. Inglethorp.

Manning

minor

A police constable involved in the investigation.

Superintendent Summerhaye

minor

Also known as Summerhaye

A police superintendent assisting with the case.

Mr. Mace

minor

Also known as the wretched Mr. Mace, Mace

The local chemist who dispensed poison.

Mr. Philips

minor

A clerk from the solicitors' office.

Mrs. Raikes

minor

Also known as Raikes

A local woman with a questionable reputation.

Elizabeth Wells

minor

A witness who saw something suspicious on the night of the murder.

Lady Tadminster

minor

Also known as Tadminster

A local aristocrat mentioned in passing.

William Earl

minor

Also known as young William, William

A young man who works at the local stables.