Harwood Lathom

Margaret Harrison

Harwood is obsessively infatuated with Margaret, pursuing her despite her marriage, creating a tense and manipulative dynamic.

Paul Harrison

Harwood is a rival for Margaret's affection, and Paul is her husband, leading to jealousy and conflict.

John Munting

Harwood and John are acquaintances and share a social circle, but their relationship is strained by Harwood's actions.

Agatha Milsom

Agatha is obsessed with Harwood, and he manipulates her for his own ends, creating a toxic dynamic.

Sir James Lubbock

Harwood and Sir James have a professional relationship, likely as lawyer and client or in a legal context.

Amanita muscaria

Amanita muscaria (the mushroom) is a symbol of Harwood's obsession and the poison used, representing his destructive influence.

Burrage

Burrage is likely a servant or employee of Harwood, serving his needs.

Archie Cutts

Archie Cutts is a professional contact of Harwood, possibly in business or legal matters.

Margaret Harrison

Harwood is obsessively infatuated with Margaret, pursuing her despite her marriage, creating a tense and manipulative dynamic.

Paul Harrison

Harwood is a rival for Margaret's affection, and Paul is her husband, leading to jealousy and conflict.

Paul Harrison

Harwood is a rival for Margaret's affection, and Paul is her husband, leading to jealousy and conflict.

John Munting

Harwood and John are acquaintances and share a social circle, but their relationship is strained by Harwood's actions.

The Documents in the Case

His letters and interactions with Margaret and others are documented, revealing his role in the developing situation.

Section I: Synthesis

A close friend of the Harrisons, particularly of George. He is a painter and is deeply involved in the social circle, with a notable connection to Margaret.

The Same to the Same

The artist tenant who visits the Harrisons, impressing Agatha with his manners and modesty.

John Munting to Elizabeth Drake

Munting's flatmate, who has struck up an acquaintance with the Harrisons.

7: The Same to the Same

Present during the quarrel, is indignant on Margaret's behalf, calling George a brute.

The Same to the Same

Engages in the philosophical debate, asserting that beauty is the only true reality and that thought creates existence.

Agatha Milsom to Olive Farebrother

Visits the Harrisons often, cheers them up, and compliments Agatha's designs.

John Munting to Elizabeth Drake

Present in the sitting-room while George Harrison talks about aerial perspective.

The Same to the Same

Mentioned as being gregarious and frequently visiting the Harrisons.

George Harrison to Paul Harrison

Described as a decent, friendly young fellow and a fellow artist who visits frequently.

Agatha Milsom to Olive Farebrother

Visits almost every evening, plans to paint portraits of Agatha and Margaret.

John Munting to Elizabeth Drake

Described as insistently cheerful and planning to paint a portrait of Mrs. Harrison as a surprise.

George Harrison to Paul Harrison

Painted Margaret's portrait and agreed to paint Miss Milsom's, though George suspects he is not serious.

Agatha Milsom to Olive Farebrother

Paints Margaret's portrait as a gift, is criticized by Harrison, and later agrees to paint Agatha's portrait.

John Munting to Elizabeth Drake

Praised for his portrait of Margaret Harrison, though Munting notes his lack of practical sense in human relationships.

The Same to the Same

Painted a satirical portrait of Miss Milsom; is in high spirits and working intensely.

George Harrison to Paul Harrison

May join them in Paris; painted a portrait of Miss Milsom.

Note by Paul Harrison

Joins the Harrisons in Paris for New Year; writes a letter to Munting.

Harwood Lathom to John Munting

Author of the letter; describes his Paris trip and his cynical, restless mood.

John Munting to Elizabeth Drake

Mentioned as being pleased about the portrait exhibition and sharing Munting's nervous state.

The Same to the Same

Attends the dinner and is visibly uncomfortable and angry at Harrison's behavior.

John Munting to Elizabeth Drake

Mentioned as the artist who painted Munting's portrait, now sought after by press agencies.

31: The Same to the Same

Accompanies Munting to the labs, described as being in a 'vagrom mood' and wasting time.

George Harrison to Paul Harrison

Distressed by the incident; leaves the maisonnette.

Statement of John Munting

Munting's friend, involved in an affair with Mrs. Harrison, which Munting tries to end.

Margaret Harrison to Harwood Lathom

The recipient of the letter, Margaret's lover, whose absence has left her feeling dead and empty.

Statement of John Munting [Continued]

Writes to Munting from The Shack, describing his stay with Harrison. He appears restless and cynical, and invites Munting to join him, showing signs of nervousness during the journey.

Section II: Analysis

His artistic nature and complex relationship with Margaret and George are explored.

Margaret Harrison to Harwood Lathom

The recipient of the letter, referred to as 'Petra'.

Extract from the Morning Express of Tuesday, October 21st, 1929

Gives evidence about Harrison's fungi experiments and the discovery of the body.

Extract from the Morning Express of Wednesday, November 5th, 1929

Recalled to confirm that Harrison had spoken of gathering fungi, mentioning 'Warty Hats' or 'Warty Caps'.

John Munting to Paul Harrison

Visits Munting, angrily confronts him about Paul's inquiries, and provides a detailed alibi for the time of George Harrison's death.

Statement of Paul Harrison [Continued]

Discussed as the prime suspect; his guilt is now without doubt in Paul's mind, and his method of poisoning is theorized.

Statement of John Munting

Subject of Munting's anxiety; his actions weigh heavily on Munting.

Note by Paul Harrison

Convicted and hanged for the murder of George Harrison.