Characters in A Murder Is Announced

Supporting characters

• Jane Marple

  An elderly spinster whose deep understanding of village human nature lets her read the small lies others miss.

  Also in Novels, The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side, A Caribbean Mystery, Marple

• Letitia Blacklock

  A capable, plain woman of sixty who runs her household and becomes the focus of the announced murder.

• Dora "Bunny" Bunner

  A fluttery, devoted childhood friend living with Letitia, whose loose talk and long memory make her vulnerable.

• Patrick Simmons

  A charming, teasing distant relation of Letitia staying at the house with his sister.

• Julia Simmons

  Patrick's cool, self-possessed sister, also lodging at Little Paddocks.

• Phillipa Haymes

  A quiet, dignified young woman working the local land and supporting her son alone.

• Mitzi

  A frightened European refugee cook prone to dramatics whose foreign past draws village suspicion.

• Rudi Scherz

  A petty thief and newcomer connected to the night of the staged murder.

• Inspector Craddock

  An intelligent, likable detective who leads the official inquiry and grows to value Miss Marple's insight.

  Also in 4:50 from Paddington

• Hinchcliffe and Murgatroyd

  A devoted pair of friends in the village; the brisk, practical Hinchcliffe and the sweet, easily flustered Murgatroyd.