The Thirty-Nine Steps (Adaptation) characters

Appears from the start

A mining engineer recently returned to London from southern Africa. Restless with his quiet new life, he becomes the only available ally of a frightened stranger who claims to have uncovered an international conspiracy. When that man is murdered in Hannay's flat, Hannay must evade both the police and the killers while trying to deliver the warning himself. He is observant, resourceful, and unusually capable of adopting a new appearance and manner at short notice.

Appears from the start

An American intelligence agent who approaches Hannay with an extraordinary account of a German spy ring known as the Black Stone. Scudder believes the group intends to murder a visiting statesman and steal an important British military secret. He has hidden the details in a coded notebook and fears that the conspirators have traced him to London.

First appears in chapter 3

The keeper of a small country inn where Hannay takes shelter during his flight across Scotland. An eager reader and would-be writer, he is delighted by Hannay's invented tale of political danger and helps him when suspicious men arrive in the district.

First appears in chapter 4

A young landowner standing for Parliament in Scotland. Hannay reaches his house while pretending to be involved in politics, then decides to trust him with the truth. Sir Harry cannot leave his campaign, but he gives Hannay food, a car, and a letter of introduction to a senior government official.

First appears in chapter 5

A road worker whom Hannay meets beside an isolated Scottish road. Turnbull is suffering from a bad stomach and is pleased to rest while Hannay takes his place. Their exchanged clothes and Hannay's performance as a roadman provide temporary protection from the men searching the countryside.

First appears in chapter 6

The cultivated, apparently harmless owner of a remote house where Hannay seeks help. His knowledge of Hannay's real identity exposes him as a member of the group pursuing Scudder's notebook. Behind his mild appearance he is controlled, watchful, and confident that his prisoner cannot escape.

First appears in chapter 7

A senior British official and an acquaintance of Sir Harry. Once Hannay reaches him and explains Scudder's warning, Sir Walter treats the danger seriously, arranges protection, and helps interpret the conspiracy's political purpose.