The Big Four · Character

Inspector Japp

A Scotland Yard man of blunt good sense, caught between professional loyalty to Poirot and the Yard's open scepticism about a criminal organization nobody can quite prove exists.

supporting

Also known as the worthy Japp, Japp

First appearance: i the unexpected guest

As a supporting figure in The Big Four, Inspector Japp is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Called by Poirot to identify the dead man; recognizes him as Mayerling, a former Secret Service agent.

In the storyII: The Man from the AsylumOpen this moment free

See Inspector Japp in II: The Man from the Asylum Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

In II: The Man from the Asylum: Called by Poirot to identify the dead man; recognizes him as Mayerling, a former Secret Service agent. Later, in IV: The Importance of a Leg of Mutton: Referred to as 'the Inspector' who…

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Inspector Japp sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Inspector Japp in i the unexpected guest

Character Web

22 connections

A slice of how Inspector Japp sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Core Conspirators and Victims
Protagonist
Allies and Informants
Minor Characters and Suspects
Scientific and Technical Experts

+17 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because Hastings is forced to confront the ultimate emotional and psychological pe…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Hercule Poirot
professional · positive
Poirot and Japp have a professional working relationship as detective and police… How this plays out →
Hercule Poirot
professional · positive
Poirot and Japp have a professional working relationship as detective and police… How this plays out →
Hercule Poirot
professional · positive
Poirot and Japp have a professional working relationship as detective and police… How this plays out →

Hercule Poirot
Poirot and Japp have a professional working relationship as detective and police inspector, often collaborating on cases with mutual respect.
Hercule Poirot
Poirot and Japp have a professional working relationship as detective and police inspector, often collaborating on cases with mutual respect.
Hercule Poirot
Poirot and Japp have a professional working relationship as detective and police inspector, often collaborating on cases with mutual respect.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Inspector Japp in i the unexpected guest

In the story

Inspector Japp appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II: The Man from the Asylum
Called by Poirot to identify the dead man; recognizes him as Mayerling, a former Secret Service agent.
IV: The Importance of a Leg of Mutton
Referred to as 'the Inspector' who accompanies Poirot and facilitates the interview with Grant.
V: Disappearance of a Scientist
Brings Captain Kent to Poirot and provides information about Halliday's disappearance.
In the House of the Enemy
Japp assists Poirot in setting up the trap but later reveals the footman's hoax, though Poirot remains convinced of Ryland's guilt.
IX: The Yellow Jasmine Mystery
Japp is in charge of the Yellow Jasmine Mystery and has invited Poirot to assist. He meets them at the station.
X: We Investigate at Croftlands
Leads the initial investigation, suspects Ah Ling, and welcomes Poirot's assistance.
XI: A Chess Problem
Joins Poirot and Hastings at dinner; shares details of Wilson's death and suspects poison meant for Savaronoff.
The Mouse Walks In
His men assist Poirot by watching the house and following to Limehouse.
XIV: The Peroxide Blonde
Assists in searching the Chinatown premises and discovers the secret entrance to the subterranean chamber.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Inspector Japp unlock in the free preview.

See Inspector Japp in i the unexpected guest

See Inspector Japp in II: The Man from the Asylum