Character guide

Eileen Holland

major

Also known as Miss Eileen Holland, Miss Holland, the fascinating Miss Holland, Holland

A young woman who becomes a central figure in the spy plot.

Adolph Tiel

major

Also known as Herr Tiel, Mr. Tiel, Tiel, Presently Tiel

A German agent involved in espionage activities on the British coast.

Lieutenant von Belke

major

Also known as Von Belke, von Belke, Belke, Mr. Belke, Conrad von Belke, Lieutenant von Belke

A German naval officer whose narrative frames much of the story.

Robert Drummond

major

Also known as Mr. Drummond, Robert, Mr. Robert Drummond

A British man who becomes entangled in the spy network.

Commander Blacklock

supporting

Also known as Blacklock, III The Empty Envelope Commander Blacklock

A British naval commander involved in counter-espionage.

Mr. Burnett

supporting

Also known as III, Mr. Burnett, And Mr. Burnett, II The Chauffeur Mr. Burnett, the worthy Mr. Burnett, III On the Cliff Gradually Mr. Burnett, Burnett, a Mr. Burnett

A chauffeur who plays a key role in the plot.

Mr. Craigie

supporting

Also known as old Craigie, Craigie, Richard Craigie, Richard

A local man with knowledge of the area and events.

Captain Ashington

supporting

Also known as Ashington, Captain Ashington—I, the real Captain Ashington, Ashington of the Haileybury

A British naval captain whose identity is assumed by a spy.

Mr. Taylor

supporting

Also known as Taylor, This Mr. Taylor, a Mr. Taylor, this Mr. Taylor

A mysterious figure involved in the espionage ring.

Commander Wiedermann

minor

Also known as Wiedermann

A German naval commander and colleague of von Belke.

Captain Phipps

minor

Also known as Phipps

A British naval officer involved in the investigation.

Bob Blacklock

minor

Also known as Bob, Robin, Robin Blacklock

A younger relative of Commander Blacklock.

Lieutenant Topham

minor

Also known as Topham, Mr. Topham

A British naval lieutenant assisting in the operation.

Mrs. Craigie

minor

Wife of Mr. Craigie, a local resident.

Mary

minor

Also known as the sociable Mary

A servant or local woman who interacts with characters.

Alexander Burnett

minor

Also known as the Rev. Alexander Burnett, Alec Burnett, The Rev. Alex. Burnett, Mr. Alexander Burnett, the good Mr. Burnett, the real Burnett, the late Mr. Burnett, Alexander

A clergyman whose identity is used by another character.

Miss Burnett

minor

A relative of Alexander Burnett.

Mrs. Drummond

minor

Wife of Robert Drummond.

Captain Blacklock

minor

A naval officer, possibly related to Commander Blacklock.

Mr. Wilson

minor

Also known as Wilson

A minor character encountered during the story.

Rev. Mr. Maxwell

minor

Also known as Maxwell, Mr. Maxwell

A clergyman mentioned in passing.