Character Descriptions

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HERCULE POIROT - Male, 40-65, Belgian accent.

Iconic character. Agatha Christie’s most famous detective. Poirot is fastidious, thorough, a touch ridiculous, and incredibly observant and intelligent. He is both arrogant and humble to fault. He is an observer of people, astute at analyzing why people behave as they do, and firmly believes that most crimes can be solved primarily by observation, psychology, and thinking them through. He values intelligence and the rule of law above all else. 

 

 MONSIEUR BOUC - Male, 40-65, Belgian accent.

The owner of Wagon Lit, Orient Express. Bouc is a middle-aged man with a youthful vigor and attitude. Gregarious, honest and forthright, he puts his friends and customers above profit, although he is concerned about his company's image. He is not a match for Poirot in intelligence, however. 

  

MARY DEBENHAM - Female mid 20s-30s, English (standard) accent.

A governess. Anxious, but also cool and determined, Mary has a certain sadness about her, as well as many secrets. She is carrying on a secret affair with Colonel Arburthnot. Must be comfortable kissing on stage. 

  

COLONEL ARBUTHNOT - Male 30s, Scottish accent.

A military man of the old fashioned type, possibly old-money, and used to being obeyed without question. He is strong, charismatic, but also problematic in some of his personal views. Has a temper. Must be comfortable kissing on stage.

 

HECTOR MCQUEEN - Male, 23-35, American accent.

Personal assistant and secretary to Samuel Ratchett, McQueen is a nervous character with a stutter that appears when he is especially anxious. Seems rather new to his profession. Talks a bit too much. 

 

MICHEL - Male, 40s, French accent. Competent and organized,

Michel is the conductor for the first class carriages of the Orient Express. Handles himself well in a crisis, and is very good at his job. NOTE: This actor will double as the Head Waiter of the Tokatilian Hotel, and will also need to be able to do a Turkish accent.

 

PRINCESS DRAGOMIROFF - Female, 60s-70s, Russian accent.

Displaced Russian nobility. The Princess is a battleship: determined, arrogant, and accustomed to getting her way. She travels a great deal and holds very decided opinions.

  

GRETA OHLSSON - Female, 30s, Swedish accent.

A Catholic missionary and baby nurse, currently serving as a companion to Princess Dragomiroff. She would like to help small children in Africa. Deeply devout. This character may be funny, but should not be played as a caricature for laughs.

  

COUNTESS ANDRENYI - Female, 25-35, Hungarian accent.

In addition to being married to a count (and thus, nobility), she also is a doctor. Beautiful, educated, charming, and intelligent enough to match wits with Poirot. Must also be able to do an American accent. 

  

HELEN HUBBARD - Female, 45-60, harsh American accent.

Not exactly what she seems, Hubbard comes across as a gregarious, loud, obnoxious American busybody who has been married multiple times. Must be able to sing and do a little dancing. Should also be able to pull off a cooler, more calculated version of this character with a very standard or even cultured American accent. 

  

SAMUEL RATCHETT - Male, 35-50, American accent (mobster - possibly Brooklyn or Chicago style)

A dangerous and unlikable man, full of entitlement, with a hair trigger temper. Must have a forceful personality, and come across as someone not to be trusted or crossed. As the murder victim, this actor may be required to remain on stage and still for an extended period of time.