Twelve passengers, twelve stab wounds, one detective who must choose between law and justice.
Who drives the story
The meticulous Belgian detective who trusts order above all. He solves the impossible crime perfectly, then faces the one case where the truth should stay hidden.
A vulgar American businessman who begs Poirot for protection. He is really Cassetti, Daisy Armstrong's kidnapper and murderer, killed by twelve stab wounds.
Poirot's friend and a director of the Wagon-Lits company. He begs Poirot to investigate, then chooses the false, merciful solution to give the police.
The composed English governess Poirot first spots pretending to be a stranger to Colonel Arbuthnot. She was Daisy Armstrong's governess and one of the twelve.
The reserved British officer traveling with Debenham under a pretense. He was Colonel Armstrong's comrade and joined the conspiracy.
The chatty American lady whose compartment sits next to the murder. She is really Linda Arden, the famous actress and Daisy's grandmother, who planned and led the plot.
The voluble Italian car salesman who saw a 'small, dark man' in the corridor. He was the Armstrongs' chauffeur.
The Armstrongs' maid, falsely accused in Daisy's murder, who killed herself. Her death is the grief that binds the twelve together.
Also in the story
The stern old Russian princess, Daisy's godmother. She claims the 'H' handkerchief was stolen from her rather than explain her part.
The young countess whose passport hides a grease spot over her true name, Helena. She is Sonia Armstrong's sister.
The Wagon Lit conductor with a quiet, helpful manner. He is Susanne's brother, grieving the maid falsely accused in Daisy's death.
The man posing as a passenger while working the case undercover. He loved Susanne and joined the plot to avenge her.
The Princess's maid, mild and capable. She was the Armstrongs' cook.
Ratchett's young secretary, who knows too much about his employer. His father was the district attorney broken by the Armstrong case.
Ratchett's tight-lipped manservant. He was Colonel Armstrong's batman in the war.
How they are connected
Samuel Ratchett / CassettiHercule Poirot
A vulgar American businessman who begs Poirot for protection.
Poirot's friend and a director of the Wagon-Lits company.
The composed English governess Poirot first spots pretending to be a stranger to Colonel Arbuthnot.
Mary DebenhamColonel Arbuthnot
The composed English governess Poirot first spots pretending to be a stranger to Colonel Arbuthnot.
He is Susanne's brother, grieving the maid falsely accused in Daisy's death.
He loved Susanne and joined the plot to avenge her.
Hector MacQueenSamuel Ratchett / Cassetti
Ratchett's young secretary, who knows too much about his employer.
Edward MastermanSamuel Ratchett / Cassetti
Ratchett's tight-lipped manservant.
Edward MastermanColonel Arbuthnot
He was Colonel Armstrong's batman in the war.
Go deeper
Justice versus law · The perfect crime of grief · Order and its limits · Deception as a shared performance
Themes explainedThe full story act by act, the ending explained and a quick quiz.
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