Sad Cypress characters

Appears from the start

A poised young woman engaged to her distant cousin Roddy Welman and expecting that they will eventually inherit from their wealthy aunt. An anonymous warning about the aunt's household draws her back to Hunterbury.

First appears in chapter 14

The Belgian detective, asked to investigate after Elinor Carlisle has already been charged and brought to trial. He is not initially certain of her innocence, but agrees that the evidence is too complete in one direction and examines what the prosecution's neat sequence leaves out.

Also known as Roddy

Appears from the start

Elinor's cousin and fiance at the opening of the story, charming, cultivated, and accustomed to sharing her assumptions about their future and their place in their aunt's affections.

Appears from the start

Elinor and Roddy's wealthy aunt, paralysed after a stroke and living at Hunterbury. She is fond of both young relatives and has taken a strong interest in the education and prospects of Mary Gerrard, the lodgekeeper's daughter.

First appears in chapter 3

The daughter of Hunterbury's lodgekeeper, educated beyond her family's means through Mrs Welman's generosity. Young, attractive, and uncertain where she belongs, she returns from training abroad to find both gratitude and resentment attached to the help she has received.

First appears in chapter 2

The local doctor who attends Mrs Welman. Direct, energetic, and observant, he takes a more personal interest in the people at Hunterbury than his professional manner initially suggests.

First appears in chapter 2

The district nurse who attends Mrs Welman and knows the Hunterbury household well. Practical and talkative, she shares nursing duties with Nurse O'Brien and has ready access to the routines of the sickroom.

First appears in chapter 2

An Irish nurse who helps care for Mrs Welman during her final illness. Alert to conversation and domestic detail, she notices more in the sickroom than the family realises.

First appears in chapter 3

The stern housekeeper at Hunterbury, devoted to the Welman family and resentful of the attention and education given to Mary Gerrard. Her view reflects the local suspicion that Mary has been raised above her station.

First appears in chapter 4

A local young man who knew Mary Gerrard before her education took her away from Hunterbury. He had hoped to marry her and remains hurt and jealous when she returns with broader ambitions and attracts Roddy Welman's attention.

First appears in chapter 7

The solicitor handling Mrs Welman's affairs. He explains the legal consequences of her intentions, her existing arrangements, and any will that can or cannot be found.