Characters in The A.B.C. Murders

Hercule Poirot

The Belgian detective, taunted by name in the killer's letters and forced to outthink a murderer who seems to strike without motive.

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

A.B.C.

A serial killer who chooses victims alphabetically and leaves an ABC Railway Guide at each crime scene, challenging Poirot to stop the escalating violence.

Captain Hastings

Poirot's loyal friend and the book's narrator for much of the story, returning to England as the murders begin.

Also in The Under Dog and Other Stories, Poirot's Early Cases, Double Sin and Other Stories, The Affair at the Victory Ball

Chief Inspector Japp

The seasoned Scotland Yard man who has crossed paths with Poirot before and joins the official hunt.

Also in Murder in the Mews and Other Stories (Dead Man's Mirror / Incredible Theft / Murder in the Mews / Triangle at Rhodes), One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

Inspector Crome

The younger, self-assured Scotland Yard inspector formally put in charge of the A.B.C. case, dismissive of Poirot's methods.

Alexander Bonaparte Cust

An anxious, ailing travelling stocking salesman whose movements uncannily shadow the killings; his role in the case is best left for the reader to discover.

Franklin Clarke

Brother of the wealthy Churston victim Sir Carmichael Clarke; he rallies the bereaved relatives to assist Poirot's investigation.

Megan Barnard

Sister of the Bexhill victim Betty Barnard, sharp and unsentimental, who becomes an active ally in the search.

Mary Drower

Niece of the first victim, the Andover shopkeeper Alice Ascher, drawn into the informal group helping Poirot.

Thora Grey

Sir Carmichael Clarke's attractive young secretary, whose presence in the household draws attention during the inquiry.

Donald Fraser

Betty Barnard's fiance, jealous and grief-stricken, one of the relatives who joins the hunt for the killer.