Count Poltavo

Mr. Gregory Farrington

Count Poltavo and Mr. Farrington are locked in a bitter power struggle, each seeking to outmaneuver the other.

Doris Gray

Count Poltavo is romantically entangled with Doris Gray, using charm and manipulation to control her.

Dr. Fall

Count Poltavo and Dr. Fall collaborate in a sinister scheme, with Fall serving as Poltavo's scientific accomplice.

T. B. Smith

Count Poltavo and T. B. Smith are direct antagonists, with Smith hunting Poltavo's criminal activities.

Frank Doughton

Count Poltavo views Frank Doughton as a romantic rival and obstacle to his plans.

Lady Constance Dex

Count Poltavo and Lady Constance Dex move in the same high-society circles, with Poltavo using her for social leverage.

Mr. Brown

Mr. Brown is a henchman or operative working for Count Poltavo.

Dr. Fall

Count Poltavo and Dr. Fall collaborate in a sinister scheme, with Fall serving as Poltavo's scientific accomplice.

Mr. Gregory Farrington

Count Poltavo and Mr. Farrington are locked in a bitter power struggle, each seeking to outmaneuver the other.

Frank Doughton

Count Poltavo views Frank Doughton as a romantic rival and obstacle to his plans.

T. B. Smith

Count Poltavo and T. B. Smith are direct antagonists, with Smith hunting Poltavo's criminal activities.

Doris Gray

Count Poltavo is romantically entangled with Doris Gray, using charm and manipulation to control her.

I

Hired as assistant editor of The Gossip's Corner; demonstrates shrewdness and adaptability.

IV

A charming and enigmatic count, admired by Lady Dinsmore and viewed with jealousy and suspicion by Frank Doughton.

V

Reveals his true identity as a penniless adventurer, presses Farrington for information, and demonstrates his value by exposing T. B. Smith's surveillance.

VI

Arrives late to the theatre, converses with Lady Dinsmore and Doris Gray, and is present when the shot is fired.

VII

Arrives at the house after being sent for; denies writing the note that cheered Doris.

The Reading of the Will

Reflects on his social ascent and control over Doris Gray; confronts Frank Doughton; reacts with rage and suspicion to Farrington's will; later speaks with T. B. Smith at Scotland Yard.

XI

Confronts Farrington about the will, threatens to marry Doris Gray, and is trapped in the lift before being rescued by T. B. Smith.

XIII

Mentioned as Farrington's agent, currently staying at the Secret House in Great Bradley.

XIV

Returns from Great Bradley, acquires a house and cars, and takes over sorting blackmail correspondence for Farrington.

Chapter XVI

Arrives at the safe deposit by Farrington's prior arrangement; observes the scene with a bitter smile and reluctant admiration for Farrington's cleverness.

XVII

Plans to blackmail the Duke of Ambury for fifty thousand pounds, disregards Farrington's share, and orders an assassination attempt on T. B. Smith via Carlos.

XVIII

Arrested by T. B. Smith after attempting to collect blackmail; offers to reveal Farrington's secrets in exchange for avoiding extradition.

XIX

Is captured by T. B. Smith on the downs, handcuffed, and later imprisoned in the Secret House's underground cell, where he is hidden from T. B. Smith's inspection.

The Last Hand

Mentioned as having been killed by Farrington; his body is removed from the room.