Rosanna Spearman

Sergeant Cuff

Rosanna is obsessively fearful of Sergeant Cuff's detective work, as she is hiding evidence that implicates her secret love for Franklin Blake.

Franklin Blake

Rosanna is secretly and tragically in love with Franklin, who remains largely unaware of her intense devotion and the lengths she goes to for him.

Sergeant Cuff

Rosanna is obsessively fearful of Sergeant Cuff's detective work, as she is hiding evidence that implicates her secret love for Franklin Blake.

Franklin Blake

Rosanna is secretly and tragically in love with Franklin, who remains largely unaware of her intense devotion and the lengths she goes to for him.

Franklin Blake

Rosanna is secretly and tragically in love with Franklin, who remains largely unaware of her intense devotion and the lengths she goes to for him.

IV

Second housemaid with a criminal past; drawn to the Shivering Sand and expresses a sense of loneliness and unquiet mind.

VII

Exhibits unusual behavior after meeting Franklin: changes mood, asks questions about him, and scribbles his name in her workbox; Penelope suggests she has fallen in love at first sight.

VIII

Second housemaid; shows signs of infatuation with Franklin; steals a rose from his dressing-table; becomes impudent and is prescribed for by the doctor.

XIII

Brings the washing-book; appears pale and haggard; Cuff notes her past imprisonment for theft.

Chapter XIV

Under suspicion for the theft; her locked door, fire at night, and secret trip to Frizinghall are revealed; she appears pale after her interview with Cuff.

XV

Subject of Cuff's investigation; suspected of hiding a paint-stained garment and planning to leave her position.

XVII

Shows alarming detachment and insists on confessing to Franklin Blake, rejecting Betteredge's advice.

XVIII

Mentioned as having bought cloth for a substitute nightgown and posted a letter; suspected of hiding the stained nightgown at the Shivering Sand.

XIX

Her footprints lead to the Shivering Sand; she leaves a farewell note indicating she chose to die there.

XXI

Posthumously implicated as Rachel's accomplice; her past as a thief and connection to a moneylender are highlighted.

XXIII

Deceased; Limping Lucy speaks of her love for Franklin Blake and her plan to live with her in London.

Chapter II

Mentioned as having left a sealed letter for Franklin, now in Limping Lucy's possession.

III

Deceased housemaid whose letter and hidden items (japanned tin case, dog's chains, nightgown) are central to the mystery.

Chapter IV

Her confession letter is read aloud, revealing her love for Franklin and her discovery of the paint-stained nightgown.

V

Author of the letter; describes hiding the nightgown on her person, her fear of Sergeant Cuff, her decision to conceal the nightgown in the Shivering Sand, and her suicidal thoughts if Franklin remains cold.

VI

Rosanna's confession is examined; Mr. Bruff suggests she may have manipulated the evidence out of jealousy and a desire to drive Rachel and Franklin apart.