Character guide

Hercule Poirot

major

Also known as M. Poirot, Monsieur Hercule Poirot, Monsieur Poirot, the Hercule Poirot

The brilliant Belgian detective hired to solve the murder on the Blue Train.

Katherine Grey

major

Also known as Miss Grey, Miss Katherine Grey, Katherine, Mademoiselle Katherine

A sensible young woman who becomes a key witness and friend to Poirot.

Ruth Kettering

major

Also known as Ruthie, Ruth Van Aldin, Mrs. Kettering

The murdered heiress and daughter of Rufus Van Aldin, traveling on the Blue Train.

Derek Kettering

major

Also known as Mr. Kettering, Derek, M. Kettering, Monsieur Kettering

Ruth's estranged husband, a charming but reckless man under suspicion.

Rufus Van Aldin

major

Also known as Mr. Van Aldin, Van Aldin, M. Van Aldin, Monsieur Van Aldin

A wealthy American financier and Ruth's devoted father, seeking justice.

Mirelle

supporting

Also known as Mademoiselle Mirelle, the dancer, the little Mademoiselle

A fiery Russian dancer and Derek Kettering's mistress, with secrets to hide.

Major Knighton

supporting

Also known as Knighton, Richard Knighton

Van Aldin's loyal and capable secretary, assisting in the investigation.

Comte de la Roche

supporting

Also known as Monsieur le Comte, the Comte, de la Roche, Armand

A suave French aristocrat and suspected jewel thief involved with Ruth.

Lady Tamplin

supporting

Also known as Tamplin, Viscountess Tamplin

A socialite friend of Katherine's, hosting a villa in Nice.

Lenox Tamplin

supporting

Also known as the Hon. Lenox Tamplin, Miss Lenox Tamplin, Lenox

Lady Tamplin's sharp-witted daughter, who befriends Katherine.

Ada Mason

supporting

Also known as Mason, XIV Ada Mason

Ruth Kettering's maid, who gives crucial testimony about the murder.

M. Papopolous

supporting

Also known as Papopolous, Monsieur Papopolous

An antique dealer and fence for stolen jewels, aiding Poirot.

Miss Viner

minor

Also known as old Miss Viner

Katherine's elderly employer in St. Mary Mead, who dies early in the story.

M. Carrège

minor

The examining magistrate in charge of the murder investigation.

Zia

minor

Also known as Mademoiselle Zia

Papopolous's daughter, assisting her father in the jewel trade.

Chubby Evans

minor

Also known as Mr. Chubby Evans, Mr. Evans

A friend of Derek Kettering, involved in the social circle.

Goby

minor

Also known as Mr. Goby, little Mr. Goby

A discreet private investigator employed by Van Aldin.

Hipolyte Flavelle

minor

Also known as Hipolyte, Presently Hipolyte

A young man connected to the Comte de la Roche's circle.

Joseph Aarons

minor

Also known as Mr. Joseph Aarons, Mr. Aarons, Joe Aarons

A theatrical agent who provides information to Poirot.

M. Caux

minor

A police officer assisting in the investigation in France.

George

minor

Poirot's valet, who occasionally assists his master.

Olga Demiroff

minor

Also known as Olga

Mirelle's maid, who provides background on her mistress.

Mrs. Samuel Harfield

minor

Also known as Mrs. Harfield, old Mrs. Harfield

A friend of Miss Viner in St. Mary Mead.

Ellen

minor

A maid at Lady Tamplin's villa.

Marie Flavelle

minor

Also known as Marie

A young woman connected to the Comte de la Roche.

M. Krassnine

minor

Also known as Krassnine

A Russian gentleman who appears briefly in the story.

Lord Leconbury

minor

Also known as Poor old Leconbury, Leconbury

A friend of Derek Kettering's family, mentioned in conversation.

Rosalie Tamplin

minor

Also known as Rosalie

A younger relative of Lady Tamplin, staying at the villa.

Mrs. Harrison

minor

A neighbor in St. Mary Mead, mentioned in passing.

Kitty Kidd

minor

Also known as Kidd

A friend of Katherine Grey from St. Mary Mead.

Jane Harfield

minor

Also known as poor Jane

A local woman in St. Mary Mead, mentioned in a letter.

Boris Ivanovitch

minor

Also known as Boris

A Russian associate of Mirelle, briefly mentioned.

Antonio Pirezzio

minor

Also known as Antonio

A waiter on the Blue Train, questioned by Poirot.

Dr. Harrison

minor

Also known as Dr. Harris

A local doctor in St. Mary Mead.

Virginie

minor

A maid at the Villa Marguerite.