The Body in the Library characters

Also known as Miss Marple

Appears from the start

An elderly resident of St Mary Mead whose close study of ordinary behaviour gives her an unusual ability to recognize deception. Dolly Bantry asks for her help when a stranger's body appears at Gossington Hall.

Also known as Mrs Bantry

Appears from the start

Miss Marple's energetic friend and the mistress of Gossington Hall. Faced with a dead stranger in her library, she is determined to learn the truth and protect her husband from malicious gossip.

Also known as Colonel Bantry

Appears from the start

Dolly's retired military husband. He is bewildered and deeply embarrassed when a young woman's body is discovered in his library, despite having no apparent connection to her.

First appears in chapter 2

A young dance hostess at the Majestic Hotel whose disappearance becomes linked to the body at Gossington Hall. Her prospects had recently improved through the interest of a wealthy hotel guest.

First appears in chapter 4

Ruby Keene's older cousin and fellow dancer at the Majestic. Practical and protective, she had brought Ruby into the hotel's entertainment staff and reports her missing.

First appears in chapter 4

A wealthy invalid staying at the Majestic Hotel. After losing his children in an accident, he lives with their surviving spouses and has taken a strong paternal interest in Ruby.

First appears in chapter 5

Conway Jefferson's son-in-law, widowed by the accident that killed Jefferson's children. Sociable and financially pressed, he remains part of Jefferson's household at the hotel.

First appears in chapter 5

Conway Jefferson's widowed daughter-in-law and the mother of Peter Carmody. Quietly capable, she is considering a future beyond continued dependence on her father-in-law.

First appears in chapter 5

Adelaide's observant young son and Conway Jefferson's grandson. He collects facts about crime with more enthusiasm than tact.

First appears in chapter 3

A flamboyant young man connected with the film industry who lives near Gossington Hall. His late-night movements and acquaintance with dancers draw early police attention.

First appears in chapter 9

A teenage Girl Guide who disappears after attending an evening meeting. Her case initially seems separate from the death at Gossington Hall.

First appears in chapter 2

The chief constable overseeing the investigation. He knows the Bantrys personally and works with Inspector Slack while remaining open to Miss Marple's observations.