Everett Raymond
The young lawyer who narrates the case, assists Gryce, and becomes devoted to Eleanore.
Ebenezer Gryce
The methodical New York detective who tests the physical evidence and engineers the decisive confrontation.
Horatio Leavenworth
The wealthy retired merchant found shot in his library; his will and opposition to Mary's marriage create apparent motives.
Mary Leavenworth
Horatio's beautiful principal heiress, secretly married to Henry Clavering and compromised by her efforts to preserve her fortune and reputation.
Eleanore Leavenworth
Mary's cousin, who bears suspicion rather than accuse Mary and ultimately becomes Raymond's partner.
Trueman Harwell
Horatio's secretary and the murderer, driven by an obsessive, largely concealed passion for Mary.
Henry Ritchie Clavering
Mary's English husband, whose secret marriage and nighttime visit make him a plausible suspect.
Hannah Chester
Mary's maid and the missing witness who sees Harwell leaving the library with the key.
Amy Belden
Mary's former confidante, who assisted the secret courtship and hides Hannah after the murder.
Q
Gryce's resourceful undercover operative, who locates Hannah at Mrs. Belden's house.
Thomas
The Leavenworth butler, an important witness to household movements and the initial discovery.
Mr. Veeley
The senior lawyer whose firm represents the Leavenworth family and who sends Raymond into the case.