"The Moving Finger" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Moving Finger" by Agatha Christie, the characters play various roles to drive the plot forward. The main protagonists, Jerry and Joanna Burton, act as amateur detectives to uncover the truth behind the mysterious and sinister events happening in the village. Megan Hunter, the victim, sets the stage for the investigation. Major Hugh Dane Calthrop, Elsie Holland, and Mona Symmington become suspects as their actions and motives come under scrutiny. Supporting characters such as Megan's parents, Dr. Griffiths, and Mrs. Dane Calthrop provide additional context and contribute to the development of the story.

Character Descriptions

Jerry Burton

Jerry Burton is a young, intelligent, and observant man who has recently moved to the quiet village of Lymstock with his sister, Joanna. He is a former pilot who is recovering from a plane crash that left him with a permanent disability. Jerry is depicted as resourceful and determined, with a keen eye for detail. He becomes intrigued by the mysterious poison-pen letters circulating in the village and takes it upon himself to investigate.

Joanna Burton

Joanna Burton is Jerry's sister and a supportive companion throughout their investigation. She is described as intelligent, level-headed, and compassionate. Joanna is a writer and often helps Jerry in gathering information and analyzing the clues they uncover. Her calm demeanor and logical thinking balance Jerry's impulsive nature, making them an effective team.

Megan Hunter

Megan Hunter is the initial victim of the poison-pen letters. She is a young woman who recently moved to Lymstock with her parents. Megan is portrayed as a sensitive and vulnerable character, deeply affected by the malicious rumors spread about her through the letters. Her distress sets the stage for Jerry and Joanna's involvement in the case.

Major Hugh Dane Calthrop

Major Hugh Dane Calthrop is a retired army officer and a prominent figure in the village. He is known for his strict adherence to rules and protocols. Major Calthrop becomes a suspect due to his connections to the victims and his stern demeanor, which makes him a likely candidate for the author of the poison-pen letters. However, his true motivations and involvement remain uncertain.

Elsie Holland

Elsie Holland is a young woman who works as a secretary for Major Calthrop. She is described as attractive and flirtatious, often drawing attention from men in the village. Elsie becomes a suspect due to her close association with Major Calthrop and her involvement in the events surrounding the poison-pen letters. Her true intentions and role in the mysteries are gradually revealed.

Mona Symmington

Mona Symmington is an artist who lives in Lymstock. She is known for her eccentric personality and unconventional lifestyle. Mona becomes a suspect due to her proximity to the victims and her reputation for being involved in scandalous affairs. Her artistic nature and enigmatic behavior make her an intriguing character to explore.

Megan's Parents

Megan's parents play a supporting role in the story, grieving over their daughter's distress and trying to protect her from further harm. They provide insight into Megan's background and the impact the poison-pen letters have on their family. Their emotional journey adds depth to the narrative and highlights the devastating consequences of the letters.

Dr. Griffiths

Dr. Griffiths is the local doctor in Lymstock. He is portrayed as a reliable and trustworthy character who assists Jerry and Joanna in their investigation. Dr. Griffiths provides medical insights and professional expertise to help unravel the mysteries surrounding the poison-pen letters. His role as a confidant and advisor to the protagonists is crucial in their pursuit of the truth.

Mrs. Dane Calthrop

Mrs. Dane Calthrop is Major Calthrop's wife and a minor supporting character. She is depicted as a traditional and somewhat reserved woman. Mrs. Dane Calthrop's role is mainly to provide background information about her husband and his relationship with Elsie Holland. Her presence adds complexity to the dynamics between the suspects and their potential motives.

Character Traits

Jerry Burton

• Intelligent
• Observant
• Resourceful
• Impulsive
• Determined

Joanna Burton

• Intelligent
• Level-headed
• Compassionate
• Logical
• Supportive

Megan Hunter

• Sensitive
• Vulnerable
• Distressed
• Innocent
• Timid

Major Hugh Dane Calthrop

• Stern
• Disciplined
• Authoritative
• Mysterious
• Ambiguous

Elsie Holland

• Attractive
• Flirtatious
• Ambitious
• Mysterious
• Opportunistic

Mona Symmington

• Eccentric
• Artistic
• Enigmatic
• Scandalous
• Unpredictable

Megan's Parents

• Grieving
• Protective
• Concerned
• Loving
• Supportive

Dr. Griffiths

• Reliable
• Trustworthy
• Professional
• Knowledgeable
• Supportive

Mrs. Dane Calthrop

• Traditional
• Reserved
• Observant
• Influential
• Protective

Character Background

Jerry and Joanna Burton are siblings who have recently moved to the village of Lymstock to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Jerry is a former pilot who was injured in a plane crash, and Joanna is an aspiring writer. Their background as urbanites adapting to rural life adds an interesting dynamic to the story.

Megan Hunter and her parents are newcomers to Lymstock, seeking a fresh start. Megan's innocent and timid nature makes her an easy target for the poison-pen letters, wreaking havoc on her life and reputation.

Major Hugh Dane Calthrop is a retired army officer with a strict sense of discipline and order. His military background and reputation in the village make him a compelling suspect in the case.

Elsie Holland is an ambitious young woman who uses her charm and flirtatious nature to navigate through life. Her background and association with Major Calthrop make her a person of interest in the investigation.

Mona Symmington's background as an artist and her unconventional lifestyle contribute to her mysterious and unpredictable nature. Her reputation for scandalous affairs adds an element of intrigue to the story.

Dr. Griffiths, the local doctor, brings his medical expertise and knowledge of the village's residents to assist Jerry and Joanna in their investigation. His background as a trusted professional adds credibility to the team's pursuit of the truth.

Character Arcs

Jerry Burton's character arc centers around his transformation from a restless and aimless individual to a determined and resourceful detective. Through his investigation, he gains a sense of purpose and regains his confidence, overcoming the limitations imposed by his disability.

Joanna Burton's character arc revolves around her growth as a supportive and capable partner to Jerry. She learns to trust her instincts and contributes significantly to the investigation, proving her intelligence and resourcefulness.

Megan Hunter's character arc is tragically cut short due to her untimely demise. However, her role as the initial victim sets the stage for the investigation and highlights the impact of the poison-pen letters on innocent individuals.

Major Hugh Dane Calthrop's character arc is one of ambiguity and suspicion. As a suspect, his true motivations and involvement are gradually revealed, challenging the initial assumptions made about his stern demeanor.

Elsie Holland's character arc follows her transformation from a flirtatious and opportunistic woman to a more complex individual with hidden depths and surprising motives. Her true intentions and role in the mysteries become clearer as the story unfolds.

Mona Symmington's character arc explores her enigmatic nature and the multiple layers of her artistic personality. Her role in the events surrounding the poison-pen letters evolves, revealing unexpected aspects of her character.

Relationships

Jerry and Joanna Burton share a close sibling relationship. They rely on each other for support and complement each other's strengths and weaknesses, forming a strong bond as they navigate through the investigation together.

Major Hugh Dane Calthrop and Elsie Holland have a complicated relationship, characterized by a power dynamic and potential ulterior motives. Their interactions and connection form a crucial aspect of the investigation.

Megan Hunter's relationship with her parents is portrayed as loving and supportive. The distress caused by the poison-pen letters strengthens their familial bond, emphasizing the impact of the events on the entire family.

Dr. Griffiths acts as a trusted ally and advisor to Jerry and Joanna. His professional relationship with the protagonists deepens as he assists them in uncovering the truth behind the poison-pen letters.

Mrs. Dane Calthrop's relationship with her husband, Major Calthrop, adds complexity to the suspects' dynamics. Her protectiveness and observant nature contribute to the unfolding events and the investigation.

In conclusion, "The Moving Finger" by Agatha Christie presents a diverse cast of characters with distinct roles, traits, backgrounds, arcs, and relationships. Each character contributes to the overall mystery and engages the reader in unraveling the truth behind the poison-pen letters. Agatha Christie masterfully weaves their stories together, creating a suspenseful and captivating narrative.