Philip Trent

Sigsbee Manderson

Trent investigates Manderson's murder, forming a complex intellectual puzzle relationship with the deceased.

Nathaniel Burton Cupples

Cupples is Trent's old friend and mentor, who brings him into the Manderson case.

John Marlowe

Marlowe, Manderson's secretary, is a key suspect and frequent interlocutor with Trent during the investigation.

Calvin Bunner

Bunner, Manderson's junior clerk, assists Trent with information about the household and his employer.

Mabel Manderson

Trent falls in love with Mabel Manderson during the investigation, complicating his professional objectivity.

Sir James Molloy

Sir James Molloy, Manderson's financial advisor, is interviewed by Trent regarding the victim's business affairs.

Martin

Martin provides Trent with factual details about the household and Manderson's final movements.

Sigsbee Manderson

Trent investigates Manderson's murder, forming a complex intellectual puzzle relationship with the deceased.

Nathaniel Burton Cupples

Cupples is Trent's old friend and mentor, who brings him into the Manderson case.

John Marlowe

Marlowe, Manderson's secretary, is a key suspect and frequent interlocutor with Trent during the investigation.

Nathaniel Burton Cupples

Cupples is Trent's old friend and mentor, who brings him into the Manderson case.

Sir James Molloy

Sir James Molloy, Manderson's financial advisor, is interviewed by Trent regarding the victim's business affairs.

Trent's Last Case

The protagonist and amateur detective sent to investigate Manderson's murder.

II: Knocking the Town Endways

Artist and special correspondent, he is summoned by Sir James to investigate the murder at Marlstone.

III: Breakfast

Arrives at the hotel, breakfasts with Cupples, shares his early investigation findings, and prepares to visit White Gables.

IV: Handcuffs in the Air

Trent engages in a detailed discussion with Inspector Murch, critiquing the burglary theory and examining the crime scene. The chapter also provides background on his career as an artist and detective.

V: Poking About

Investigates Manderson's bedroom and Marlowe's room, interviews Inspector Murch and Célestine.

VI: Mr. Bunner on the Case

Trent interviews Calvin Bunner, learns about Manderson's recent anxiety, and discusses the pistol and Bunner's theories.

VII: The Lady in Black

Trent swims, scales the cliff, and observes Mrs. Manderson from a distance. He later meets her formally and questions her about Manderson's money.

VIII: The Inquest

Arrives at the inquest late, observes Mrs. Manderson's testimony, and later escorts her out when she feels faint, feeling conflicted about his own emotions.

IX: A Hot Scent

Trent is intensely focused on developing negatives and conducting fingerprint analysis. He appears pale and nervous, and is deeply troubled by his findings.

X: The Wife of Dives

Trent is weary and resolute, having worked through the night; he confronts Mrs. Manderson with his findings and offers to suppress his report.

XI: Hitherto Unpublished

Writes the final dispatch to Sir James Molloy, detailing his solution to the murder and expressing his distaste for the case.

Evil Days

Trent is haunted by suspicions about Mrs. Manderson's knowledge of the murder and struggles with his own feelings for her. He leaves England for Paris, returns to work, but is drawn back to London after learning of Marlowe's engagement.

XIII: Eruption

Tormented by guilt and longing; apologizes to Mrs. Manderson for his earlier suspicions.

XIV: Writing a Letter

Reluctantly writes a letter to Marlowe under Mrs. Manderson's insistence, discussing his manuscript and requesting an interview.

Double Cunning

Listens intently to Marlowe's story, recognizes the 'chess eye', and ultimately believes Marlowe's account.

The Last Straw

Dines with Cupples and is shocked by the confession.