The Benson Murder Case · Character

Colonel Bigsby Ostrander

A military acquaintance of the Bensons, present at the crime scene.

minor

Also known as Colonel Ostrander, Bigsby Ostrander, the Colonel, The Colonel

First appearance: ii at the scene of the crime

Colonel Bigsby Ostrander shows up with force in The Owner of a Colt-.45. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Vance proposes inviting him to lunch, describing him as a scandalmonger who knows Benson's circle.

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In The Owner of a Colt-.45: Vance proposes inviting him to lunch, describing him as a scandalmonger who knows Benson's circle. Later, in The Grey Cadillac: Provides verbose and rambling character assessments of Captain…

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See Colonel Bigsby Ostrander in ii at the scene of the crime

Character Web

21 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Peripheral Witnesses
Core Investigation Team
Supporting Cast

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it presents the most intense psychological confrontation yet: C…

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In the story

Colonel Bigsby Ostrander appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Owner of a Colt-.45
Vance proposes inviting him to lunch, describing him as a scandalmonger who knows Benson's circle.
The Grey Cadillac
Provides verbose and rambling character assessments of Captain Leacock, Leander Pfyfe, and Muriel St. Clair; reveals he saw Miss St. Clair dining with Benson on the night of the murder.
XIX: Vance Cross-Examines
Calls Markham to offer unsolicited advice on the case.
XX: A Lady Explains
Mentioned as one of Miss St. Clair's acquaintances who knew about her midnight curfew.
XXII: Vance Outlines a Theory
His alibi is scrutinized; Vance notes he attended the Midnight Follies with Alderman Moriarty.

Chapter companion notes

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See Colonel Bigsby Ostrander in ii at the scene of the crime

See Colonel Bigsby Ostrander in The Owner of a Colt-.45