Character guide

Linford Pratt

major

Also known as Pratt, Mr. Pratt, young Mr. Pratt, Master Pratt

A cunning clerk who schemes to exploit a secret document for personal gain.

Bartle Collingwood

major

Also known as Collingwood, Mr. Bartle, Mr. Collingwood, old Bartle, young Collingwood, Antony Bartle, Mr. Antony Bartle, old Antony Bartle

A determined solicitor investigating a mysterious death and a missing will.

Nesta Mallathorpe

major

Also known as Nesta, Miss Mallathorpe, Miss Nesta Mallathorpe, Mallathorpe

A young woman caught in a web of inheritance secrets and family intrigue.

Charles Eldrick

supporting

Also known as Eldrick, Mr. Eldrick, Lawyer Eldrick

A senior partner at Eldrick & Pascoe, involved in the Mallathorpe estate.

Richard Mallathorpe

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Richard Mallathorpe, Mrs. Mallathorpe

The widow of the late John Mallathorpe, protective of her family's interests.

James Parrawhite

supporting

Also known as Parrawhite

A shady character with knowledge of the Mallathorpe family secrets.

Eldrick & Pascoe

supporting

Also known as Eldrick, Pascoe, Messrs. Eldrick & Pascoe, Messrs. Eldrick

The law firm handling the Mallathorpe estate and related legal matters.

Halstead Byner

supporting

Also known as Byner, Halstead, Mr. Byner, Mr. Gerald Byner

A journalist who becomes entangled in the investigation.

George Pickard

minor

Also known as Mr. Pickard, Pickard

A local tradesman with connections to the Mallathorpe family.

Esther Mawson

minor

Also known as Esther

A housekeeper or servant in the Mallathorpe household.

R. Murgatroyd

minor

Also known as Mr. Murgatroyd, Murgatroyd

A local businessman involved in the community.

John Mallathorpe

supporting

Also known as Mr. John Mallathorpe, the late John Mallathorpe, Mr. Mallathorpe

The deceased patriarch whose will sparks the central conflict.

Prydale

minor

Also known as Sergeant Prydale

A police sergeant investigating the death of John Mallathorpe.

Cobcroft

minor

Also known as Mr. Cobcroft, Mrs. Cobcroft

A couple who are tenants or associates of the Mallathorpes.

Harper Mallathorpe

minor

Also known as Harper, John Mallathorpe, young Harper Mallathorpe, Mr. Harper Mallathorpe

The late John Mallathorpe's nephew and a potential heir.

Gaukrodger

minor

Also known as Mrs. Gaukrodger, A Mrs. Gaukrodger

A woman with knowledge of the Mallathorpe family history.

Robson

minor

Also known as Mr. Robson

A solicitor or clerk associated with the case.

Jabey Naylor

minor

Also known as Jabey, Naylor

A local character with ties to the events surrounding the will.

Shepherd

minor

Also known as Mr. Shepherd, Mestur Shepherd

A minor figure in the legal or business circles of Barford.

Hoskins

minor

A servant or employee in the Mallathorpe household.

Clough

minor

Also known as Mrs. Clough

A woman who provides lodging or services in Barford.

Parsons

minor

A minor character appearing in the later chapters.

John Standridge

minor

Also known as Sir John Standridge

A baronet mentioned in connection with the Mallathorpe family.

Vickers & Marshall

minor

Also known as Messrs. Vickers, Marshall

A firm of solicitors involved in the legal proceedings.

Bill Thomson

minor

Also known as Bill, Thomson

A local man who provides information to the investigators.

Stringer

minor

Also known as Mestur Stringer, James Stringer

A minor character in the Barford community.

Martin Charlesworth

minor

Also known as Charlesworth

A name mentioned in connection with the will or estate.

Arthur James Wyatt

minor

Also known as Wyatt

A person referenced in the legal documents of the case.

Ann Mallathorpe

minor

A female relative of the Mallathorpe family.