Doctor Blood’s Coffin

A talented biochemist returning to his Cornwall home who becomes consumed by a controversial breakthrough. His confidence and impatience drive him to manipulate victims for his living-heart experiments, showing an arrogant, single-minded streak. He rationalizes his actions as a doctor’s right to save lives, even as he destroys them.

A young nurse and the moral anchor of the story, skeptical of Peter's methods and the legitimacy of his research. She grows increasingly suspicious as the crimes unfold and challenges Peter's god-like claims about who deserves to live.

Peter’s father and the village doctor who represents rational science. He investigates the lab clues, analyzes the stolen syringe, and helps uncover the truth behind the disappearances.

The local police sergeant investigating the crimes and trying to keep the town safe. He becomes part of the tension as he closes in on Peter and the hidden lab.

A local resident who falls victim to Peter's scheme. Beale’s disappearance and peril at the mine propel the investigation and reveal the lab’s disturbing reach.

A self-employed tin miner who becomes the latest prey in Peter’s experiments. His death proves the consequences of the doctor’s transplants and raises the stakes for Linda and the others.

The village undertaker who becomes entangled in Peter’s plan when his mortuary is used for the post-mortem handling of Beale. He is killed during the attempt to smuggle the living heart.

Linda’s husband who becomes the vessel for Peter’s transplanted heart, eventually returning as a reanimated corpse that threatens Linda before dying again.

Peter’s former mentor who refused to continue their controversial research. He is portrayed as rule-bound and cautious, a foil to Peter’s reckless ambition.