"Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Character Descriptions

Hercule Poirot

Samuel Edward Ratchett

M. Bouc

Dr. Constantine

Mary Debenham

Colonel Arbuthnot

Princess Dragomiroff

Hector MacQueen

Edward Henry Masterman

Caroline Hubbard

Greta Ohlsson

Count Andrenyi

Countess Andrenyi

Antonio Foscarelli

Pierre Michel

Hildegarde Schmidt

Character Traits

Character Backgrounds

Character Arcs

Hercule Poirot

Poirot's arc in the novel centers on his moral struggle. He uncovers the truth behind Ratchett's murder, realizing it is both a crime and an act of collective justice. Poirot is forced to choose between strict adherence to the law and empathy for the murderers, given their motivation. He ultimately presents two solutions, allowing the conspirators to escape legal consequence and showing his capacity for compassion.

Samuel Edward Ratchett (Cassetti)

Ratchett’s arc is revealed posthumously. Once a powerful criminal, he is exposed as the notorious child-killer Cassetti. His attempt to escape justice leads to his murder, which is a collective act of revenge by those affected by his crime. He represents the theme of justice versus retribution.

M. Bouc

Bouc transitions from skepticism to trust in Poirot’s abilities. He struggles with the shocking revelation that all suspects are complicit. By the end, he accepts Poirot’s moral reasoning and supports the decision to conceal the true solution.

Mary Debenham

Mary’s arc involves concealing her involvement in the murder while maintaining composure under Poirot’s scrutiny. Her relationship with Arbuthnot provides emotional grounding. She ultimately reveals her depth of feeling for Daisy and her willingness to act for justice.

Colonel Arbuthnot

Arbuthnot’s arc mirrors Mary’s. He is protective of her and the conspiracy. He faces suspicion but maintains his honor and loyalty to the Armstrong family. His moral struggle is evident, yet he remains steadfast in the group’s quest for retribution.

Princess Dragomiroff

Dragomiroff appears cold and dignified, but her past connection to the Armstrongs drives her participation. Her arc reveals a willingness to set aside her aristocratic status for justice. She emerges as a strong, determined figure.

Hector MacQueen

MacQueen’s arc is defined by his desire for justice for the Armstrong family, especially due to his father’s involvement. Initially nervous and emotional, he finds closure through the group’s actions.

Edward Masterman

Masterman moves from reserved servant to an avenger for the Armstrongs. He maintains his stoic demeanor but reveals his deep-seated loyalty and grief.

Caroline Hubbard (Linda Arden)

Hubbard’s arc is the most transformative. She begins as a seemingly frivolous American widow but is revealed as the mastermind, Daisy’s grandmother, and a famed actress. Her orchestration of the murder demonstrates her complexity and commitment to justice for her family.

Greta Ohlsson

Ohlsson appears timid but is driven by affection for Daisy. Her arc is about overcoming fear to participate in the crime and finding emotional resolution.

Count and Countess Andrenyi

Count Andrenyi is initially protective, attempting to shield his wife from suspicion. The Countess, as Daisy’s aunt, is deeply affected by the tragedy. Their arcs develop as their love and loyalty lead them to join the conspiracy.

Antonio Foscarelli

Foscarelli’s arc is one of loyalty. He supports the Armstrongs and channels his passion into the murder plot, seeking closure for the family he served.

Pierre Michel

Michel’s arc is tragic. He is a grieving father whose daughter was falsely accused and committed suicide due to Cassetti. His participation is motivated by personal loss and a desire for justice.

Hildegarde Schmidt

Schmidt is loyal to the Armstrongs, motivated by maternal affection. Her arc is one of quiet strength, participating out of love and loyalty.

Relationships

In-Depth Character Analysis

Hercule Poirot

Poirot is the embodiment of rational thought and deductive reasoning. His methods rely on careful observation, logical analysis, and understanding human psychology. Poirot’s distinctive personality—his meticulousness, attention to detail, and eccentricities—sets him apart as a detective. Throughout the investigation, Poirot maintains objectivity but shows empathy for the suspects, especially once the Armstrong connection is revealed. The climax of his arc is the moral choice he faces: expose the truth or allow the conspirators to evade justice. Poirot’s ultimate decision highlights his belief in a higher sense of justice beyond the letter of the law.

Samuel Edward Ratchett (Cassetti)

Though murdered early, Ratchett’s presence lingers. As Cassetti, he is a symbol of evil and injustice, having escaped legal punishment for his crime. His fear and paranoia on the train reflect his awareness of the vengeance he has provoked. Ratchett’s role is to catalyze the moral dilemma faced by Poirot and the conspirators.

Mary Debenham

Mary’s character is marked by intelligence, self-control, and loyalty. She is able to maintain composure under pressure and is integral to the conspiracy. Her romantic involvement with Arbuthnot adds emotional depth and motivation. Mary’s actions stem from a profound sense of justice and personal loss, showing her willingness to go to great lengths for those she loves.

Colonel Arbuthnot

Arbuthnot’s traits—honor, loyalty, and a sense of duty—define his actions. His military background reinforces his discipline and resolve. Arbuthnot’s relationship with Mary is a source of emotional vulnerability. His participation in the murder is an act of loyalty to the Armstrong family and to Mary.

Princess Dragomiroff

Dragomiroff is formidable and influential. Her aristocratic bearing masks a deep loyalty to the Armstrongs. She is unflinching in her participation, demonstrating both determination and pragmatism. Dragomiroff represents the old-world values of honor and retribution.

Caroline Hubbard (Linda Arden)

Hubbard is the emotional and organizational center of the conspiracy. Her transformation from a flamboyant widow to the mastermind behind the murder is a testament to her intelligence and acting prowess. As Daisy’s grandmother, she is driven by grief and a desire for justice. Hubbard’s leadership and ability to unite the group are crucial to the plot’s success.

Hector MacQueen

MacQueen’s nervousness belies his strong emotional drive. The murder provides him with a sense of closure for the Armstrong family’s tragedy. MacQueen’s loyalty and eagerness to right the wrongs done to those he cares about are evident throughout.

Edward Masterman

Masterman’s stoicism is a façade for his deep loyalty and grief. His reserved nature is typical of a servant, but his actions reveal a strong sense of duty to the Armstrong family.

Greta Ohlsson

Ohlsson is defined by her compassion and emotional vulnerability. Caring for Daisy left a lasting impact, motivating her involvement in the murder. Ohlsson’s arc demonstrates the power of love and loss.

Count and Countess Andrenyi

The Count’s protectiveness and the Countess’s sensitivity add complexity to their characters. The Countess’s relationship to Daisy makes her involvement deeply personal. The Count’s willingness to protect his wife by assuming guilt illustrates their devotion.

Antonio Foscarelli

Foscarelli’s exuberance is tempered by his loyalty to the Armstrongs. His boisterous personality hides a strong sense of justice and empathy.

Pierre Michel

Michel’s grief over his daughter’s fate is the driving force behind his actions. His willingness to participate in the murder reflects his need for closure.

Hildegarde Schmidt

Schmidt’s practicality and maternal instincts influence her actions. Her loyalty to the Armstrongs is unwavering.

Thematic Significance of Character Arcs

The central theme of “Murder on the Orient Express” is justice—both legal and moral. Each character’s arc is shaped by their connection to the Armstrong tragedy and their desire for retribution. The unity of the conspirators is a testament to the impact of injustice and the lengths people will go to achieve what they perceive as right.

Poirot’s moral dilemma underscores the complexity of justice. The characters’ backgrounds and relationships intertwine to form a collective response to evil, challenging the boundaries of law and ethics.

Group Dynamics and Interpersonal Relationships

The conspirators form a surrogate family bound by shared grief. Their roles on the train mirror their positions in the Armstrong household, reinforcing themes of loyalty and solidarity.

Their cooperation and mutual protection throughout Poirot’s investigation highlight their unity and determination.

Conclusion

The characters in “Murder on the Orient Express” are masterfully constructed, each with distinct backgrounds, motivations, and arcs. Their relationships form the backbone of the narrative, driving both the plot and its underlying themes of justice, loyalty, and moral ambiguity. Christie’s nuanced portrayal of each suspect, combined with Poirot’s unique perspective, creates a complex tapestry of human emotion and ethical complexity, ensuring the novel’s enduring appeal and literary significance.