Characters in Murder in Three Acts

Hercule Poirot

The Belgian detective is present at the first death but stays largely in the background, letting the amateurs investigate before stepping centre stage in the final act.

Also in The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Murder on the Links, Poirot Investigates, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, The Big Four, Mystery of the Blue Train, Black Coffee, Peril at End House, Lord Edgware Dies, Murder on the Orient Express

Sir Charles Cartwright

A famous actor retired to a Cornish village; restless and theatrical, he drives the inquiry himself, drawing on a lifetime of performance and disguise.

Mr Satterthwaite

An elderly, perceptive observer of human nature who serves as the chief amateur sleuth for much of the book; the only character to partner Poirot here after his Harley Quin stories.

Also in Problem at Pollensa Bay

Hermione "Egg" Lytton Gore

A spirited, headstrong young woman who throws herself into the investigation, her attachment to Sir Charles colouring her involvement.

Sir Charles Cartwright

A retired actor hosting the dinner party where the first death occurs.

Mr. Satterthwaite

Poirot's friend who helps investigate.

Reverend Stephen Babbington

The gentle, well-liked local vicar whose sudden death at the cocktail party opens the case and baffles everyone by its lack of motive.

Sir Bartholomew Strange

A respected Harley Street nerve specialist and friend of Sir Charles whose later death, in similar circumstances, transforms the inquiry.