John Thorndyke

Arthur Jellicoe

Arthur Jellicoe is a client of the detective John Thorndyke, seeking his help in a complex case.

Ruth Bellingham

John Thorndyke and Ruth Bellingham share a deep romantic attachment, with Thorndyke acting as her protector and suitor.

Jervis

Jervis is Thorndyke's junior colleague and assistant, working closely with him on investigations.

George Hurst

George Hurst is a suspicious and antagonistic figure who opposes Thorndyke's inquiries into the case.

Dr. Norbury

Dr. Norbury is a medical expert who collaborates with Thorndyke on forensic aspects of the case.

Inspector Badger

Inspector Badger works alongside Thorndyke as a police detective, though with occasional friction over methods.

Doctor Berkeley

Doctor Berkeley is a colleague who provides medical and scientific assistance to Thorndyke.

Miss Bellingham

John Thorndyke interacts with Miss Bellingham as a family acquaintance and through his connection to Ruth.

Polton

Polton is Thorndyke's loyal laboratory assistant and technician, aiding in scientific analysis.

Osiris

Thorndyke is obsessed with the mysterious figure Osiris, who is central to the case's dark secrets.

Doctor Barnard

Doctor Barnard is a medical expert who consults with Thorndyke on forensic evidence.

Ruth Bellingham

John Thorndyke and Ruth Bellingham share a deep romantic attachment, with Thorndyke acting as her protector and suitor.

The Vanishing Man

Lecturer on Medical Jurisprudence at St. Margaret's Hospital; analyzes the Bellingham disappearance case for his students.

II: The Eavesdropper

Mentioned by Paul as the lecturer on medical jurisprudence who drew attention to the Bellingham case. Godfrey recalls Thorndyke's reputation for unraveling mysterious disappearances.

III: John Thorndyke

Thorndyke discusses the Bellingham case with Berkeley and Jervis, revealing he has been constructing theories about it in his leisure moments. He expresses interest in learning more and offers unofficial advice if needed.

V: The Watercress-Bed

Meets Paul on the Embankment; listens to details of the Bellingham will and agrees to investigate.

VI: Sidelights

Mentioned as wanting to see the will; Paul plans to show him the copy.

John Bellingham's Will

Analyzes the will's legal difficulties; proposes investigations into John Bellingham's burial and possible survival.

A Museum Idyll

Mentioned as an enthusiast keenly interested in the Bellingham case; Paul arranges for him to offer help.

X: The New Alliance

Agrees to take the Bellingham case, discusses the discovered remains, and advises secrecy.

The Evidence Reviewed

Leads the discussion on the difficulty of body disposal, reviews Hurst's past, and weighs the evidence against Hurst and the Bellinghams.

A Voyage of Discovery

Arranges for Paul to examine the bones, providing detailed instructions and emphasizing the need for secrecy.

XV: Circumstantial Evidence

Analyzes Paul's notes on the bones, deducing key details about the dismemberment.

XVII: The Accusing Finger

Thorndyke reveals his belief in a deliberate plot against Ruth and offers Paul a role in his investigation.

John Bellingham

Sends a note to Paul arranging a meeting; redirects them to the Museum for experiments and an interview with Dr. Norbury.

A Strange Symposium

Presents a comprehensive reconstruction of the case, implicating Mr. Jellicoe in the murder and concealment.

The End of the Case

Receives Jellicoe's confession, reveals he used X-ray photography to verify suspicions without opening the mummy case.