The Maltese Falcon (BBC Radio Crimes) characters

Appears from the start

A San Francisco private detective whose calm, watchful manner conceals how much he has noticed. After his partner is murdered while following a client's target, Spade protects his independence from both the police and the criminals pursuing a valuable object.

Also known as Miss Wonderly

Appears from the start

A poised young woman who hires Spade and Archer under the name Miss Wonderly. She claims to be rescuing her sister from Floyd Thursby, but her nervous performance and shifting details suggest that she is concealing her real identity and purpose.

Appears from the start

Spade's business partner, who readily volunteers to follow Floyd Thursby for their new client. His death that night makes Spade answerable to the police and gives him a professional obligation he will not ignore.

Appears from the start

Spade's capable secretary, familiar with his habits and trusted to manage callers, messages, money, and delicate errands. Her judgment of people matters to him even when he does not explain his plans.

Appears from the start

A dangerous man whom Brigid first identifies as the threat to her supposed sister. He is being followed by Miles Archer when Archer is killed, and Thursby's own violent death soon makes the case more complicated.

First appears in chapter 2

A San Francisco police detective who knows Spade and takes a measured approach to questioning him about the deaths of Archer and Thursby. He is less openly hostile than his partner Dundy but does not accept Spade's evasions without scrutiny.

First appears in chapter 2

A police lieutenant investigating the two killings. Suspicious of Spade's affair with Archer's wife and of his refusal to disclose his client's business, Dundy treats the detective as a plausible suspect.

First appears in chapter 2

Miles Archer's widow, who has been having an affair with Spade. Her jealousy, grief, and fear that the police will expose the relationship add personal danger to the murder investigation.

First appears in chapter 4

A polished, watchful man who visits Spade carrying a pistol and offers money for the recovery of a black bird-shaped figure. His courteous manner coexists with sudden threats, and he clearly knows Brigid and the object she is hiding.

First appears in chapter 9

A young gunman who shadows Spade and carries out orders for a larger man interested in the black bird. He tries to appear hardened and intimidating, but Spade recognizes both his readiness to shoot and his dependence on his employer.

Also known as The Fat Man

First appears in chapter 11

An expansive, patient collector who has spent years pursuing the Maltese Falcon. He enjoys explaining his subject and presenting himself as reasonable, while employing Wilmer and using bribery, drugs, and violence when they advance his search.

First appears in chapter 14

Captain of the ship that carries the sought-after parcel to San Francisco. Mortally wounded, he reaches Spade's office with the package, providing the detective with the object everyone has been trying to obtain.

First appears in chapter 15

Gutman's teenage daughter, used as part of a deceptive appeal for Spade's help. Her frightened story sends him toward danger while concealing her father's movements.