# Colonel Melchett — The Murder at the Vicarage character guide

> Colonel Melchett in The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Melchett

**First appearance:** 0001-the-murder-at-the-vicarage

## Snapshot

The bluff, obstinate Chief Constable who leads the investigation and cannot quite believe a village spinster might know more than he does.

## Who they are

Melchett is a career soldier turned policeman, confident in his methods and impatient with anything that doesn't fit a tidy theory. He leans hard on the obvious suspects — Redding and Anne Protheroe — and grows visibly exasperated when Miss Marple suggests there may be seven other people with motives. His grudging respect for her, and his willingness to act on her advice despite himself, quietly shape how the case unfolds.

## In the story

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/vi)

Colonel Melchett arrives at the Vicarage to see the Vicar, but does not appear in the main dialogue.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/vii)

Melchett leads the conversation, expressing frustration with Redding and seeking clarity on the motive.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/viii)

Leads the interrogation of Lawrence and Anne, showing skepticism about their confessions.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/ix)

Visits Miss Marple with the vicar to gather information about the murder, showing frustration with the case and skepticism about Miss Marple's claims.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/x)

Dismisses Miss Marple's knowledge but grudgingly admits her value as a witness; inspects the studio with the narrator.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/xi)

Argues with Inspector Slack over Lawrence Redding's guilt, insisting on the medical evidence.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/xii)

Leads the interrogation of Lawrence Redding and expresses determination to solve the case without Scotland Yard.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/xiii)

The Chief Constable listens to Mrs. Price Ridley's complaint and coordinates with Inspector Slack on the investigation.

### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/xxvii)

Visits the Vicarage, shares the news that Protheroe's letter is a forgery, and tries to trace the telephone call.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/xxviii)

On the telephone with the Vicar, having traced the call; is asked to come to Hawes's lodging.

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/xxix)

Arrives at the scene, calls Dr. Haydock, and insists on saving Hawes for the gallows.

### [Miss Marple's Revelation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/xxx)

Initially dismissive of Miss Marple's theory but becomes convinced by her reasoning, though he insists on the need for proof.

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/xxxi)

Discusses the trap with Miss Marple and the Vicar; agrees to the plan.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/characters/colonel_melchett
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/characters