Character Clues

Character Analysis

Actions

In this book, actions definitely speak louder than words—because most of the words the characters speak are lies. The characters need to act in order to survive, and the ones who act cleverly are the ones who last the longest. Vera is distrustful, refusing to eat or drink anything that isn’t sealed, and so she survives for a while, whereas people like Mrs. Rogers and Miss Brent eat and drink without checking their food first and die quickly. Philip Lombard keeps searching the island and keeps his revolver close, and because of this he stays safe for a long while.

Of course, these actions also tell us a lot about the characters. Vera knows she’s guilty, so she believes that other people are guilty, too. Miss Brent believes she’s so good that she’s—well, probably immortal, so it doesn’t occur to her to suspect that someone might be out to kill her. Oops!

Occupation

What better occupation for a killer bent on justice than a judge? Justice Wargrave’s profession lets us know that he’s fanatical about justice and making sure that people are punished. His profession corresponds perfectly with his profile as a killer who wants people to know what crimes they’ve committed—and makes us wonder if Christie isn’t taking a bit of a jab at the ol’ criminal justice system.

Thoughts and Opinions

Actions may speak louder than words, but thoughts are the most revealing of all. Vera’s obsessive thoughts about Cyril’s death eventually lead her to hang herself out of guilt. Philip Lombard, on the other hand, rarely dwells on what he did; he’s an action-oriented man who’s constantly looking to see how he can outwit the killer and survive. And he almost makes it.