Dead Man's Folly characters

Appears from the start

The Belgian detective summoned to Nasse House by Ariadne Oliver, who cannot explain why the charity fete's staged murder makes her uneasy. He observes the household and the game before a real investigation begins.

Appears from the start

A successful detective novelist hired to design a murder-hunt game for the Nasse House fete. Usually confident in constructing puzzles, she asks Poirot to come because other people's alterations have made the harmless entertainment feel dangerous.

First appears in chapter 2

The wealthy owner of Nasse House, a forceful self-made man who has restored the estate and indulges his much younger wife. His blunt confidence contrasts with the older family's guarded history.

First appears in chapter 2

Sir George's striking young wife, widely treated as beautiful, simple, and capricious. Her expensive tastes and apparently childish manner make it difficult to know how much she understands.

First appears in chapter 2

The widowed former owner of Nasse House, now living quietly in the lodge after her family lost its fortune. She helped arrange Sir George's marriage and remains deeply attached to the estate.

First appears in chapter 3

A local girl selected to play the victim in Mrs Oliver's murder hunt. She is observant, fond of gossip, and more interested in payment and small advantages than in the fete's fiction.

First appears in chapter 4

A young man from abroad who says he is Hattie Stubbs's cousin and announces a visit during the fete. The prospect of meeting him produces an unusually strong reaction from Hattie.

First appears in chapter 2

Sir George's efficient secretary, heavily involved in the practical arrangements for the fete. She regards Lady Stubbs with a mixture of impatience and protective responsibility.

First appears in chapter 2

An architect working on the ornamental folly in the grounds. His plans and movements place him around the estate while preparations for the fete are under way.

First appears in chapter 3

A scientist renting a nearby cottage with his wife. Intense and politically preoccupied, he behaves secretively enough to draw attention during the confused events around the fete.

First appears in chapter 3

Alec Legge's sociable wife, who helps with the fete and is frustrated by her husband's secrecy and isolation. Her movements connect the neighbouring cottage with Nasse House.

First appears in chapter 8

The police officer who leads the formal inquiry once the fete's staged crime becomes real. He works with Poirot while testing the timelines and movements of visitors across the crowded grounds.