The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

Main Characters and Their Development

• Hercule Poirot: A famous Belgian detective who is retired and living in the village of King's Abbot. He takes on the investigation of Roger Ackroyd's murder at the request of Flora Ackroyd. Poirot uses his unique methods and logical thinking to solve the crime.
• Dr. James Sheppard: The local doctor and narrator of the story. He assists Poirot in the investigation, but it is revealed at the end of the book that he is the murderer of Roger Ackroyd. His motive was blackmailing Mrs. Ferrars and fear of exposure.
• Roger Ackroyd: A wealthy widower who was murdered in his home. He was the guardian of his niece Flora and had many secrets, including the blackmail of Mrs. Ferrars.
• Flora Ackroyd: Roger Ackroyd's niece, who asks Poirot to investigate her uncle's murder. She turns out to be a more complex character than she appears at first glance, hiding her own secrets.
• Caroline Sheppard: Dr. Sheppard's sister, who is curious and a gossip. She plays an important role in providing information and observations that help Poirot in the investigation.
• Ralph Paton: Roger Ackroyd's stepson, who becomes the main suspect in the murder. It is revealed during the investigation that he is innocent and was hiding for other reasons.
• Mrs. Cecilia Ferrars: A widow whose death from a drug overdose precedes the events of the book. She was blackmailed by Dr. Sheppard and left a letter to Roger Ackroyd revealing this fact.