Characters and Plot Analysis: “Death on the Nile” and “The Brethren”
“Death on the Nile” – Key Characters
- Hércules Poirot: Belgian detective.
- Colonel Race: Poirot’s friend.
- Linnet Ridgeway: Beautiful and wealthy young woman, the richest woman in England.
- Simon Doyle: Jacqueline de Bellefort’s boyfriend and later Linnet’s husband.
- Jacqueline de Bellefort: Simon’s ex-girlfriend and Linnet’s friend.
- Louise Bourget: Linnet’s maid.
- Andrew Pennington: Linnet’s lawyer in the USA.
- Marie Van Schuyler: Elderly aristocrat.
- Miss Bowers: Marie Van Schuyler’s nurse.
- Cornelia Robson: Marie Van Schuyler’s niece.
- Salomé Otterbourne: Writer of romance novels.
- Rosalie Otterbourne: Salomé’s daughter.
- William Carmichael: Linnet’s lawyer and attorney in London.
“The Brethren” – Analysis and Questions
1. Story Beginnings and Convergence
Grisham initiates two distinct narratives in the opening chapters. The first delves into the lives of the judges (the Brethren), detailing their prison existence and activities. The second introduces Aaron Lake, a presidential candidate supported by the CIA. These narratives converge when the three judges initiate a blackmail scheme against Aaron Lake.
2. The Brethren: Identity and Imprisonment
The Brethren are a group of three judges incarcerated like criminals. They were imprisoned by a new governor, Finn Yarber, who opposed forward-thinking judges.
3. Teddy Maynard’s Role
Teddy Maynard, the CIA director, is crucial to the story. Preparing for a potential attack against Russia, he supports Aaron Lake’s presidential candidacy.
4. Aaron Lake’s Candidacy
Aaron Lake is considered an ideal presidential candidate because, according to Teddy Maynard, he is honest and will defend the USA against Russia. He becomes a candidate with the support of the CIA and military equipment industries, which fund his campaign.
5. The Case of “Picasso against Sherlock”
Sherlock is urinating on Picasso’s roses. Picasso demands that this behavior cease and seeks $500 in damages.
6. Ricky’s Center
Ricky’s is an expensive rehabilitation center for wealthy children struggling with drug problems.
7. Trevor Calson’s Significance
Trevor Calson is the lawyer representing the three judges. He assists them with their pen pal scam but dies at the end of the book. He is a clever character.
10. Terrorism in Aaron Lake’s Campaign
Terrorism is significant in Aaron Lake’s campaign because he promises to respond to terrorist attacks, gaining widespread public support.
11. Wilson and Jadi Argrow’s Secret
Wilson Argrow is a CIA agent whose real name is Kenny Sands. Jadi Argrow is actually Roger Lytter, a CIA agent for thirteen years with a law degree from Texas. He met Kenny Sands (Wilson Argrow) on his first visit to Trumble.
15. The Ending for Aaron Lake and the Judges
Aaron Lake becomes President of the USA. The CIA, aware of the three judges’ blackmail activities, plans to monitor and control them.