Sir Clinton Driffield

Wendover

Sir Clinton and Wendover are close allies, with Wendover often assisting in investigations.

Ernest Shandon

Ernest Shandon is a primary suspect and antagonist, clashing frequently with Sir Clinton's investigative efforts.

Mr. Stenness

Mr. Stenness is a colleague or local official who collaborates with Sir Clinton on the murder case.

Arthur Hawkhurst

Arthur Hawkhurst is a hostile figure who opposes Sir Clinton's inquiries and harbors secrets.

Dr. Ardsley

Dr. Ardsley provides medical expertise and assists Sir Clinton in analyzing the murder evidence.

The Squire

The Squire is a local landowner who interacts with Sir Clinton as part of the community and investigation.

Sylvia Hawkhurst

Sylvia Hawkhurst is a manipulative figure who tries to influence Sir Clinton's investigation for her own ends.

Roger Shandon

Roger Shandon cooperates with Sir Clinton as a witness and local figure in the murder investigation.

Wendover

Sir Clinton and Wendover are close allies, with Wendover often assisting in investigations.

Mr. Stenness

Mr. Stenness is a colleague or local official who collaborates with Sir Clinton on the murder case.

Ernest Shandon

Ernest Shandon is a primary suspect and antagonist, clashing frequently with Sir Clinton's investigative efforts.

The Squire

The Squire is a local landowner who interacts with Sir Clinton as part of the community and investigation.

IV: The Chief Constable

The Chief Constable arrives with Wendover, examines the bodies, photographs the crime scenes, and tracks the murderer's path with a dog.

The Evidence in the Case

Leads the investigation, collecting evidence and testimonies from the household.

VI: The Toxicologist

Leads the investigation, visits Dr. Ardsley to identify the poison, and orchestrates securing the curare supply while making covert purchases.

VII: The Pot of Curare

Chief Constable; arrives at Whistlefield to take the curare pot; examines the darts and questions Arthur about airguns.

VIII: Opportunity, Method, and Motive

Leads the discussion on the principles of criminal investigation, outlining opportunity, method, and motive. He challenges Wendover's theories and reflects on the complexity of real evidence versus fictional detective stories.

IX: The Burglary at Whistlefield

Appears tired and worried at breakfast; receives the burglary call and leads the investigation at Whistlefield.

X: The Third Attack in the Maze

Investigates the burglary and advises Ernest Shandon on safety; shows contempt for Ernest's cowardice.

XI: The Squire's Theories

Engages in theorizing with Wendover, reveals the murderer is local, finds the cigar-case and thread, and hints at knowing the murderer.

The Fourth Attack

Directs the pursuit, examines the dart and airgun, and remains calm under pressure.

The Dart

Sir Clinton reveals he orchestrated the bridge party as a trap for the murderer, expecting to be the target, and is now troubled by the uncertainty of the shot's intended victim.

The Forged Cheque

Interviews Stenness about the forged cheque and presents a hypothetical case of forgery and murder.

XV: The Secretary's Affairs

Listens to Stenness's confession, questions his moral reasoning, and ultimately decides to give him a chance by having him secure the money.

XVI: The Last Attack in the Maze

Reveals he knows the murderer's identity and has recovered stolen money; decides to delay arrest until morning to avoid scandal; makes a coded phone call to the police station.

XVII: The Siege in the Maze

Leads the siege, arms the party, and orchestrates the capture of Ernest Shandon. He recovers a letter from the body.

XVIII: The Truth of the Matter

Delivers the full reconstruction of the murders, analyzing evidence and motives.