List of Characters

Character Name	Role
Hercule Poirot	Protagonist
Samuel Ratchett	Victim
Mary Debenham	Suspect
Colonel Arbuthnot	Suspect
Princess Dragomiroff	Suspect
Hector MacQueen	Suspect
Edward Masterman	Suspect
Greta Ohlsson	Suspect
Michel the Conductor	Suspect
Pierre Michel	Suspect
Hildegarde Schmidt	Suspect
Countess Andrenyi	Suspect
Count Andrenyi	Suspect
Cyrus Hardman	Suspect
Antonio Foscarelli	Suspect

Role Identification

Hercule Poirot

As the protagonist, Hercule Poirot is the main character and detective tasked with solving the murder mystery aboard the Orient Express.

Samuel Ratchett

Ratchett is the victim of the murder, and his death sets off the events of the novel.

Suspects

The suspects are individuals who come under suspicion during the investigation, each with potential motives for the murder.

Character Descriptions

Hercule Poirot

Poirot is a Belgian detective known for his keen powers of observation and remarkable mustache. He is meticulous and precise in his investigative approach, often displaying a fastidious attention to detail.

Samuel Ratchett

Ratchett is an unsavory American businessman with a mysterious past, making him an enigmatic figure throughout the novel.

Other Characters

The remaining characters are a mix of passengers and staff aboard the Orient Express, each with their own unique personalities and backgrounds.

Character Traits

Hercule Poirot

• Fastidious
• Observant
• Methodical
• Analytical

Samuel Ratchett

• Shady
• Mysterious
• Unscrupulous

Other Characters

Each suspect and secondary character exhibits a distinct set of traits and behaviors that add complexity to the unfolding mystery.

Character Background

Hercule Poirot

Poirot's background as a renowned detective precedes him, and his reputation for solving complex cases establishes him as a formidable investigator.

Samuel Ratchett

Ratchett's background is shrouded in mystery, with his true identity and past actions becoming central to the unfolding narrative.

Other Characters

The diverse backgrounds of the suspects and other characters bring a range of experiences and motives into play as Poirot delves into the case.

Character Arcs

Hercule Poirot

Throughout the novel, Poirot's character arc is characterized by his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, even as he navigates a web of conflicting testimonies and hidden agendas.

Samuel Ratchett

While Ratchett's character arc is cut short by his murder, the revelations about his true identity and past deeds shape the course of the investigation.

Other Characters

The suspects' character arcs are defined by their evolving interactions with Poirot and the gradual unraveling of their individual motivations and secrets.

Relationships

Hercule Poirot and Other Characters

Poirot's relationships with the suspects, as well as his interactions with the train's passengers and crew, form the basis of his investigative process and contribute to the intricate web of connections within the story.

Suspects and Other Characters

The relationships between the suspects and other characters are marked by tension, suspicion, and hidden alliances, all of which play a crucial role in the development of the murder mystery.

In "Murder On The Orient Express," Agatha Christie masterfully crafts a complex web of characters, each playing a pivotal role in the unraveling of a gripping murder mystery. From Hercule Poirot's unwavering determination to the enigmatic backgrounds of the suspects, the interplay of personalities and motives keeps readers captivated until the novel's stunning conclusion.