The Moving Finger characters

Appears from the start

A pilot recovering from serious injuries after an air accident. Sent to the country for rest, he narrates the events in Lymstock and becomes increasingly involved in the poison-pen mystery.

Appears from the start

Jerry's stylish, quick-witted sister, who accompanies him to Lymstock. Her sophistication attracts local attention, but she shares her brother's curiosity and impatience with malicious gossip.

First appears in chapter 2

The awkward young daughter of Mrs Symmington from an earlier marriage. Neglected beside her younger half-brothers and treated as incapable by much of the village, she interests Jerry from their first meetings.

Also known as Mr Symmington

First appears in chapter 2

Lymstock's reserved solicitor and the head of the Symmington household. He is Megan's stepfather and the father of two younger boys.

Also known as Mrs Symmington

First appears in chapter 2

Richard Symmington's anxious wife and Megan's mother. A cruel anonymous letter aimed at her family has grave consequences.

First appears in chapter 3

The attractive, competent governess in the Symmington household. She cares for the two young boys and remains composed during the family's crisis.

Appears from the start

The local doctor, a serious and capable man who attends Jerry during his recovery and becomes professionally involved when the letters are followed by death.

First appears in chapter 2

Dr Griffith's energetic sister. Prominent in Lymstock's voluntary and social activities, she has firm opinions about nearly everyone in the village.

Appears from the start

The gentle owner of Little Furze, the house rented by Jerry and Joanna. She belongs to an established local family and offers the newcomers an early guide to village relationships.

First appears in chapter 5

A maid employed in the Symmington household. A troubling recollection makes her seek advice, but she disappears before she can explain it fully.

Also known as Mr Calthrop

First appears in chapter 3

The scholarly vicar of Lymstock. Abstracted in ordinary conversation, he takes the moral damage caused by the anonymous letters seriously.

Also known as Mrs Calthrop

First appears in chapter 3

The vicar's perceptive wife. She sees that conventional investigation has reached its limits and brings in someone experienced at reading concealed motives.

Also known as Miss Marple

First appears in chapter 12

An elderly visitor whose quiet interest in domestic detail masks a rigorous understanding of human behaviour. Mrs Calthrop invites her to Lymstock when the danger intensifies.