The Red Thumbmark · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Red Thumbmark by R. Austin Freeman.
Dr. John Evelyn Thorndyke
major
Also known as Thorndyke, Dr. Thorndyke, John Thorndyke
Brilliant detective and medical jurist who unravels the mystery using scientific methods.
Reuben Hornby
major
Also known as Mr. Reuben Hornby, Mr. Hornby, Reuben
Young man accused of theft and murder, central to the plot.
Juliet Gibson
major
Also known as Miss Gibson, Juliet, Juliet Gibson
Reuben's fiancée, a lady whose involvement complicates the case.
Walter Hornby
supporting
Also known as Mr. Hornby, Walter, Mr. Walter Hornby
Reuben's cousin and business partner, with a suspicious demeanor.
Mrs. Hornby
supporting
Also known as Dear Mrs. Hornby
Reuben's mother, deeply concerned for her son's fate.
Mr. Anstey
supporting
Also known as Anstey
Thorndyke's junior counsel, assisting in the legal defense.
Polton
supporting
Also known as the ingenious Polton, X Polton
Thorndyke's ingenious laboratory assistant and technician.
Dr. Christopher Jervis
supporting
Also known as Jervis, Dr. Jervis, Christopher Jervis
Thorndyke's friend and assistant, often the narrator.
Sir Hector Trumpler
supporting
Also known as Sir Hector
The prosecuting counsel in the trial against Reuben Hornby.
Mr. Singleton
minor
A solicitor involved in the legal proceedings.
Mr. Lawley
minor
Also known as Lawley
A witness or minor legal figure in the case.
John Hornby
minor
Also known as Mr. John Hornby, John
Reuben's father, a businessman involved in the background.
Mr. Nash
minor
Also known as Herbert John Nash
A mysterious figure connected to the crime.
Sergeant Bates
minor
A police officer involved in the investigation.
Dr. Rowe
minor
A medical professional consulted in the case.
Mr. Galton
minor
Also known as Galton
A fingerprint expert referenced in the trial.
Superintendent Miller
minor
A senior police officer overseeing the case.
Inspector Sanderson
minor
A police inspector assisting in the investigation.
Richard Powell
minor
Also known as Richard
A minor character mentioned in connection with the case.
