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The Murder of Roger Ackroyd · Character

Mrs. Ferrars

A wealthy widow whose sudden death follows her husband's poisoning, making her the whispered scandal that shadows every conversation at Fernly Park.

supporting

Also known as the Ferrars, Mrs. Ferrar

First appearance: Who’s Who in King’s Abbot

As a supporting figure in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Mrs. Ferrars is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Recently deceased; her death by veronal overdose is the subject of the chapter, and Caroline suspects she poisoned her husband.
In the storyDr. Sheppard at the Breakfast TableOpen this moment free

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Mrs. Ferrars lived quietly at King's Paddock until her husband's death made her the subject of village gossip, and her own suicide days before Roger Ackroyd's murder leaves everyone uneasy. Blunt recalls her as…

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The fuller portrait of Mrs. Ferrars sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Mrs. Ferrars in Who’s Who in King’s Abbot

Character Web

16 connections

A slice of how Mrs. Ferrars sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

HPHercule PoirotRARoger AckroydCSCaroline Shepp…MBMajor BluntMHMr. HammondMFMrs. Ferrars

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Fernly Park suspects
  • Protagonist

+11 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This chapter marks the dramatic climax because Inspector Raglan’s realization that the alibis are “worthless”…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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In the story

Mrs. Ferrars appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Ferrars unlock in the free preview.

See Mrs. Ferrars in Who’s Who in King’s Abbot