Mary Leavenworth

Eleanore Leavenworth

Eleanore and Mary are cousins living together, with Eleanore protective and Mary more worldly and secretive, creating a tense sibling-like bond.

Mr. Gryce

Mary Leavenworth is a prime suspect who actively tries to deceive and outmaneuver Mr. Gryce during the investigation.

Hannah

Hannah is Mary's personal maid, loyal but increasingly frightened by Mary's actions and the murder investigation.

Amy Belden

Amy Belden is a local acquaintance of Mary Leavenworth, sharing gossip and social interactions within the community.

Eleanore Leavenworth

Eleanore and Mary are cousins living together, with Eleanore protective and Mary more worldly and secretive, creating a tense sibling-like bond.

Mr. Gryce

Mary Leavenworth is a prime suspect who actively tries to deceive and outmaneuver Mr. Gryce during the investigation.

Mr. Gryce

Mary Leavenworth is a prime suspect who actively tries to deceive and outmaneuver Mr. Gryce during the investigation.

Amy Belden

Amy Belden is a local acquaintance of Mary Leavenworth, sharing gossip and social interactions within the community.

Hannah

Hannah is Mary's personal maid, loyal but increasingly frightened by Mary's actions and the murder investigation.

Eleanore Leavenworth

Eleanore and Mary are cousins living together, with Eleanore protective and Mary more worldly and secretive, creating a tense sibling-like bond.

Hannah

Hannah is Mary's personal maid, loyal but increasingly frightened by Mary's actions and the murder investigation.

Amy Belden

Amy Belden is a local acquaintance of Mary Leavenworth, sharing gossip and social interactions within the community.

Book I: The Problem

Mary Leavenworth is present in the household and becomes a person of interest.

A Great Case

Mentioned as one of the nieces; the narrator is asked to assist the ladies.

II: The Coroner’s Inquest

Mentioned indirectly; the narrator imagines her likeness in a portrait on the wall.

III: Facts and Deductions

Mentioned as the sole heiress; not present during the discovery according to Thomas.

VI: Sidelights

Accuses Eleanore of moral responsibility for the murder, then shifts to a sweet, winning demeanor when addressing the narrator and Mr. Gryce, attempting to downplay her earlier accusation.

VII: Mary Leavenworth

Testifies at the inquest, denying any knowledge of the murder or suspicion of anyone, and reveals Eleanore had charge of the uncle's apartments.

VIII: Circumstantial Evidence

Present at the inquest, shows agitation and does not assist her cousin when she faints.

IX: A Discovery

Shows fear and grief; suggests Eleanore's manner is suspicious but insists on her innocence; offers to lie to protect her cousin.

X: Mr. Gryce Receives New Impetus

Anxious and pleading; offers a reward and urges Mr. Gryce to find the burglar; writes and mails a secret note.

The Summons

Visited by the narrator; initially reluctant but agrees to return home to support Eleanore.

XII: Eleanore

Opens the door for the narrator at the beginning of the chapter.

XIII: The Problem

Arrives in the parlor, confronts Eleanore with pride and coldness, declares they cannot live together, and flees weeping.

XIV: Mr. Gryce at Home

Recalled fleeing indignantly from Eleanore's presence; contrasted with Eleanore in the narrator's thoughts.

Ways Opening

Receives the narrator with familiarity, expresses anxiety about Hannah, discusses her wealth and guilt, and reveals the strain of her separation from Eleanore.

XVI: The Will of a Millionaire

Mentioned as the primary heir to the estate.

The Beginning of Great Surprises

Shows agitation, haughty and feverish behavior; reveals Eleanore told her about the key; denies knowledge of Eleanore's motives; becomes defensive when reminded of her accusation.

XVIII: On the Stairs

Sends a note to the narrator declining further explanation and asking to bear burdens apart.

XX: “Trueman! Trueman! Trueman!”

Mentioned as the person from whose presence Henry Clavering was seen leaving.

XXIII: The Story of a Charming Woman

Mentioned as the subject of Eleanore's concern; she is reportedly well but troubled, and has been receiving visitors including Mr. Clavering.

A Report Followed by Smoke

Mentioned in the narrator's summary as having acknowledged a family secret and then refusing to discuss it further.

XXV: Timothy Cook

Identified by Timothy Cook as the bride in the secret marriage to Mr. Clavering; Mr. Gryce accuses her of the murder.

Mr. Gryce Explains Himself

Implied to be the guilty party in Mr. Gryce's theory; the narrator doubts her guilt but acknowledges she might confess if accused.

XXXI: Q

Implied to have written a letter urging Mrs. Belden to destroy evidence, raising suspicion.

Mrs. Belden’s Narrative

Described as dazzling, capricious, and determined to marry Henry Clavering in secret; she manipulates Mrs. Belden and clashes with Eleanore.

Unexpected Testimony

Implied to have sent Hannah to Mrs. Belden's house and to have a secret marriage.

Book IV: The Problem Solved

Her role in the events is clarified as the truth emerges.

XXXV: Fine Work

Revealed through the diary to have secretly married Henry Clavering, providing a motive for the murder.

Gathered Threads

Identified by Mr. Gryce as the true criminal, accused of murdering her uncle and Hannah.

Culmination

Confesses her selfish fears and silence that implicated Eleanore, and is declared innocent by Henry Clavering.

A Full Confession

The narrator's obsession; her secret marriage to Henry Clavering and desire for wealth drive the plot.

XXXIX: The Outcome of a Great Crime

Humbled and forgiving; welcomes Eleanore, acknowledges the circumstantial evidence against her, and wishes to give the fortune to Eleanore.