"Cover Her Face" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In P.D. James' novel "Cover Her Face," there are several key characters that play important roles in the development of the story. These roles include the victim, suspects, and the detectives working to solve the crime.

Character Descriptions

Sally Jupp (Victim)

Sally Jupp is a young woman working as a parlormaid in the Maxie household. She is described as attractive but manipulative, often using her charm to get what she wants. Sally is ambitious and not afraid to use her sexuality to further her own interests.

Marta Hallard (Suspect)

Marta Hallard is a close friend of the Maxie family and is present on the night of the murder. She is described as intelligent and perceptive, with a keen eye for detail. Marta is known for her sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humor.

Simon Maxie (Suspect)

Simon Maxie is the son of the Maxie family and is considered a suspect in the murder. He is described as charming and charismatic, with a talent for manipulation. Simon is an aspiring artist who is often seen as the black sheep of the family.

Deborah Riscoe (Suspect)

Deborah Riscoe is a family friend of the Maxie's and is also a suspect in the murder. She is described as elegant and refined, known for her impeccable taste and social grace. Deborah is a successful businesswoman who is not afraid to use her power and influence to get what she wants.

Eleanor Maxie (Suspect)

Eleanor Maxie is the matriarch of the Maxie family and is considered a suspect in the murder. She is described as strong-willed and domineering, often asserting her authority over others. Eleanor is a wealthy widow who is used to getting her way.

Blanche Malfour (Suspect)

Blanche Malfour is a family friend and is also a suspect in the murder. She is described as eccentric and unpredictable, often acting on impulse without considering the consequences. Blanche is an artist who is known for her unconventional lifestyle.

Paul Fisher (Detective)

Paul Fisher is the lead detective assigned to the murder case. He is described as methodical and detail-oriented, always searching for evidence and clues to solve the crime. Paul is committed to finding the truth and bringing the killer to justice.

Adam Dalgliesh (Detective)

Adam Dalgliesh is a more experienced detective who is called in to assist with the investigation. He is described as insightful and intuitive, often relying on his instincts to uncover the truth. Adam is a complex character with a deep understanding of human nature.

Character Traits

Sally Jupp

• Manipulative
• Ambitious
• Attractive
• Charming
• Seductive

Marta Hallard

• Intelligent
• Perceptive
• Witty
• Sarcastic
• Loyal

Simon Maxie

• Charming
• Charismatic
• Manipulative
• Artistic
• Rebellious

Deborah Riscoe

• Elegant
• Refined
• Powerful
• Influential
• Ambitious

Eleanor Maxie

• Strong-willed
• Domineering
• Wealthy
• Authoritative
• Independent

Blanche Malfour

• Eccentric
• Unpredictable
• Impulsive
• Artistic
• Free-spirited

Paul Fisher

• Methodical
• Detail-oriented
• Committed
• Investigative
• Persevering

Adam Dalgliesh

• Insightful
• Intuitive
• Complex
• Observant
• Analytical

Character Background

Sally Jupp

Sally Jupp grew up in an orphanage and was taken in by the Maxie family as a parlormaid. She had a troubled past and was known for her manipulative nature. Sally was determined to escape her humble origins and climb the social ladder.

Marta Hallard

Marta Hallard comes from a wealthy family and has known the Maxie family for many years. She is well-educated and has a deep understanding of human behavior. Marta is fiercely loyal to her friends and is always willing to help them in any way she can.

Simon Maxie

Simon Maxie grew up in a privileged household but always felt like an outsider. He pursued a career in art to rebel against his family's expectations. Simon has a complicated relationship with his mother and is often at odds with her.

Deborah Riscoe

Deborah Riscoe comes from a wealthy background and has built a successful business empire. She is known for her ruthless ambition and is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain her power and influence. Deborah is a self-made woman who values her independence.

Eleanor Maxie

Eleanor Maxie is a wealthy widow who has always been in control of her family's wealth and status. She is used to getting her way and has a strong presence. Eleanor is protective of her family and will do whatever it takes to protect their reputation.

Blanche Malfour

Blanche Malfour is an artist who has lived a bohemian lifestyle. She is known for her unconventional behavior and disregard for societal norms. Blanche is fiercely independent and values her artistic freedom above all else.

Paul Fisher

Paul Fisher comes from a working-class background and has worked his way up through the ranks of the police force. He is dedicated to his job and is determined to solve the murder case. Paul is meticulous and thorough in his investigation.

Adam Dalgliesh

Adam Dalgliesh is a seasoned detective with a deep understanding of human nature. He has experienced personal loss in his life, which has shaped his perspective on crime and justice. Adam is highly intelligent and relies on his intuition to solve cases.

Character Arcs

Sally Jupp

Sally Jupp's character arc is cut short by her murder. However, through the investigation into her death, the true nature of her manipulative and ambitious personality is revealed, shedding light on the motives of the suspects.

Marta Hallard

Marta Hallard's character arc revolves around her loyalty to the Maxie family and her determination to protect them. As the investigation unfolds, Marta's wit and intelligence are key in unraveling the truth behind the murder.

Simon Maxie

Simon Maxie's character arc explores his struggle with his artistic ambitions and his complicated relationship with his mother. Throughout the investigation, Simon's rebellious nature is further revealed, and his interactions with the other suspects shed light on his motives.

Deborah Riscoe

Deborah Riscoe's character arc delves into her drive for power and influence. As the investigation progresses, Deborah's ruthless ambition becomes more apparent, and her true nature is exposed.

Eleanor Maxie

Eleanor Maxie's character arc revolves around her desire to protect her family's reputation. As the investigation unfolds, Eleanor's domineering nature and her willingness to go to great lengths to maintain control are revealed.

Blanche Malfour

Blanche Malfour's character arc explores her unconventional lifestyle and her desire for artistic freedom. Throughout the investigation, Blanche's eccentricity and impulsive behavior provide clues about her involvement in the murder.

Paul Fisher

Paul Fisher's character arc centers on his dedication to solving the murder case. As the investigation progresses, Paul's determination and commitment to justice become more evident, and his interactions with the suspects reveal his keen investigative skills.

Adam Dalgliesh

Adam Dalgliesh's character arc delves into his complex personality and his intuitive approach to solving crimes. As the investigation unfolds, Adam's insightful nature and his ability to understand human behavior play a crucial role in uncovering the truth behind the murder.

Relationships

The relationships between the characters in "Cover Her Face" are complex and often filled with tension. The suspects have various connections to the victim and each other, which become crucial in uncovering the truth.

Sally Jupp's relationships with the suspects are particularly important, as her manipulative nature and ambitious personality create motives for the murder. Marta Hallard's loyalty to the Maxie family and her close friendship with Sally provide insight into the dynamics of the household.

Simon Maxie's strained relationship with his mother, Eleanor, adds tension to the investigation, as does his complicated connection with Deborah Riscoe, who is both a family friend and a business rival.

Blanche Malfour's eccentricity and unpredictable behavior make her relationships with the other suspects intriguing and potentially revealing. Her artistic connection to Simon Maxie adds another layer of complexity to the investigation.

The detectives, Paul Fisher and Adam Dalgliesh, develop a professional relationship as they work together to uncover the truth. Their differing investigative approaches and personalities create an interesting dynamic that enhances the storytelling.

Overall, the relationships between the characters in "Cover Her Face" provide depth and complexity to the murder investigation, helping to unravel the motives behind the crime.