The Narrator

The Murder at the Vicarage

The vicar and narrator of the story, who discovers the body and recounts the events.

I

The Vicar, who jokingly wishes Colonel Protheroe dead and is concerned about church accounts.

II

The vicar; reflects on the gossip and defends charity; later muses on Dr. Stone and his own dislike of Hawes.

III

Discovers Lawrence and Anne kissing, counsels Anne, visits Mrs. Lestrange, and discusses village gossip with Griselda.

IV

Hosts Lawrence Redding for dinner, counsels him to leave the village, and later receives a call to visit a dying parishioner.

V

Discovers Protheroe's body, tries to inform Inspector Slack about the clock being fast, but is silenced.

VII

The Vicar participates in the discussion about the murder timeline and Redding's confession.

IX

Accompanies Colonel Melchett to Miss Marple's house and provides commentary on the interactions.

Chapter X

Defends Miss Marple's knowledge to Melchett, interviews Mary about the shot, and discusses the case with Griselda.

XI

Recalls touching the cold body and reflects on the clock discrepancy; engages with Miss Marple's theory.

XIII

The vicar accompanies Colonel Melchett to the police station and observes Mrs. Price Ridley's complaint.

XIV

The narrator reflects on social prejudices, discusses the case with Haydock, and receives a note from Mrs. Lestrange.

XV

Visits Mrs. Lestrange and later speaks with Mr. Hawes about the murder.

XVII

The vicar receives Inspector Slack's updates and visits Miss Marple.

XVIII

Attends the inquest and later accompanies Dr. Stone to the station.

XIX

The Vicar listens to Lawrence's story and reflects on Mrs. Lestrange's charm and the human tendency to protect attractive women.

XX

Returns to the Vicarage, mediates the domestic crisis with Mary, and later discovers a blue earring in the study.

XXI

Hosts the dinner conversation and learns that the man he thought was Dr. Stone is an impostor.

XXII

The vicar observes the events, examines the slashed portrait, and confronts Lettice about the earring.

XXIII

Investigates the valuation of Old Hall's contents and explores a trail in the woods, suspecting Dr. Stone or Miss Cram.

XXIV

Returns to the Vicarage, deals with Hawes's anxiety, receives notes from parishioners, and listens to Griselda's confession.

XXV

Visits the police station, Mrs. Price Ridley, Dr. Haydock, Miss Hartnell, and Miss Wetherby; gathers information about the case.

XXVI

Preaches an emotional sermon and later discusses the case with Miss Marple.

XXVII

Returns home alone, receives Melchett, learns of the forgery, and answers the mysterious phone call.

XXVIII

Hurries to Hawes's lodging, discovers the confession and anonymous letter, and telephones Melchett.

XXIX

Discovers Hawes overdosed and the incriminating letter; initially believes Hawes is guilty.

XXXI

Present during the planning of the trap and escorts Miss Marple home.