Unnatural Death · Character

Miss Alexandra Climpson

A sharp-eyed spinster who talks her way into other people's kitchens and drawing-rooms, gathering gossip that the police could never coax out of anyone.

supporting

Also known as Miss Climpson, Alexandra Katherine Climpson, Alexandra Climpson

First appearance: III: A Use for Spinsters

As a supporting figure in Unnatural Death, Miss Alexandra Climpson is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Visited by Wimsey and Parker; assigned to search death certificates and conduct discreet inquiries in Hampshire.

In the storyIII: A Use for SpinstersOpen this moment free

Miss Climpson lodges in a modest Pimlico flat she chose because a grander one would not have been suitable, and she deploys her vivacious manner like a tool. Among the Peasgoods and Murgatroyds she asks the innocent question that opens the whole quarrel about Miss Dawson's death. Her willingness to speak her mind, and to let others do the same, makes her Wimsey's most valuable pair of ears.

See Miss Alexandra Climpson in III: A Use for Spinsters Book page

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Character Web

44 connections

A slice of how Miss Alexandra Climpson sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Core suspects and investigators
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Wimsey’s sudden, violent exclamation—“Got it!”—marks the emotional and psychological peak of the story, as his…

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In the story

Miss Alexandra Climpson appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III: A Use for Spinsters
Visited by Wimsey and Parker; assigned to search death certificates and conduct discreet inquiries in Hampshire.
Gossip
Attends the work-party, gathers gossip, and meets Mary Whittaker.
VI: Found Dead
Writes to Wimsey about Miss Findlater and the poultry farm trip.
VIII: Concerning Crime
Writes a letter to Lord Peter detailing the family history of Agatha Dawson and Clara Whittaker.
Crossroads
Sends a letter to Wimsey reporting that Mary Whittaker was seen changing hats in a cloakroom, indicating she has something to conceal.
XVI: A Cast-Iron Alibi
Hosts Vera Findlater for tea, acting as a sleuth under Lord Peter's instructions; reflects on Mary Whittaker's influence and Vera's unhappiness.
XVII: The Country Lawyer's Story
Met Parker at Leahampton; introduced him as her nephew Adolphus to Mrs. Budge to conceal his identity.
XIX: Gone Away
Sent a letter to Wimsey revealing the scar on Mary Whittaker's hand; she is upset and out for a walk, not found at home.
XX: Murder
Mentioned as possibly able to obtain a photograph of Mary Whittaker; she is out when Parker visits.
XXII: A Case of Conscience
Central character; struggles with conscience over using the confession paper, investigates Mary Whittaker's disappearance, and plans a disguise to explore South Audley Street.

Chapter companion notes

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See Miss Alexandra Climpson in III: A Use for Spinsters