The Man with a Cloak

A young French woman who arrives in 1848 New York seeking Charles Theverner to secure funds for the French revolution. She is determined, resourceful, and guided by love for Paul, using wit to navigate high society and uncover the truth. Her evolving influence helps soften Charles and drives the plot toward the will’s revelation.

An old, wealthy rake who senses Madeline’s purpose and guards his fortune with charm and manipulation. He relishes the debauched comforts of wealth while plotting to outlive those who threaten his estate. A stroke and a hidden will push the story toward a dramatic, final twist.

A heavy-drinking, impecunious poet who becomes Madeline’s ally. He observes the household, gathers clues, and uses wit to outmaneuver conspirators. His discoveries help recover the missing will and reveal the truth behind the plot.

The housekeeper and chief conspirator who resents Charles’s fortune and manipulates those around him. She uses charm and cunning to conceal the will and keep wealth within her circle, acting as a foil to Madeline’s moral resolve.

A conspirator who colludes with Lorna to secure the inheritance. She shares the mansion’s secrets and aids in the plot to keep the money from slipping away, aligning with the more pragmatic side of the conspiracy.

A hulking, loyal enforcer for the conspirators who provides intimidation and minor complicity. His presence heightens the danger inside the mansion as the plot to control the will intensifies.

The physician who prescribes medicines and warns about the dangers of altered remedies. He furnishes the medical context that makes the poisoning subplot plausible and heightens the tension around Charles’s health.

Charles’s lawyer who becomes entangled in the inheritance dispute. His actions around the will influence its fate, and his role underscores the fragility of legal power in this high-stakes drama.

A generous bartender whose IOU and barroom wisdom provide a counterpoint to the mansion’s schemes. His presence, and the verse he references, hint at Dupin’s larger literary identity and fate.

The pharmacist who tests the medicine for poison and reveals the substitution with sugar water. This clue pivots the investigation toward the conspirators and accelerates the search for the will.

The landlady who adds a domestic texture to the mansion’s atmosphere and provides a backdrop for private meetings. Her presence contributes to the social tapestry in which the intrigue unfolds.