The Mystery of a Hansom Cab

A desperate, disillusioned man whose bitterness about his prospects triggers a fatal chain of events. His drunken bravado and professed belief that his time has come reveal a vulnerable core that makes him both a catalyst and a victim.

A respected barrister and public figure who hides a dangerous secret. He manipulates Madge and the social circle around him, using a sealed note to hint at blackmail while maintaining a polished, respectable façade.

Daughter of Frettlby, betrothed to Whyte but in love with Fitzgerald. She embodies the conflict between duty and desire, and her honesty ultimately reshapes the path to truth and reconciliation.

A renowned barrister who becomes the strategic force behind uncovering the truth. Calton’s legal acumen and pragmatic compassion push the investigation toward a just resolution and the protection of vulnerable parties.

A wealthy wool merchant who becomes one of the central love interests. He navigates social expectations and the truth about Frettlby’s secrets while maintaining his integrity when the case unfolds.

The methodical investigator who guides the early inquiries and pursues motive and opportunity. His keen eye for detail helps peel back the layers of deception surrounding the case.

A glamorous burlesque performer whose relationship with Frettlby uncovers a buried secret about a daughter. Her history drives the social scandal that complicates the pursuit of truth.

A quick-witted young woman connected to the boarding-house world; she drives the plot with a necklace theft and later funds a women’s shelter with the case’s proceeds. Her resourcefulness and dark loyalty make her a pivotal figure.

The murderous, opportunistic figure who becomes entangled in Frettlby’s secrets. His crime escalates the case, leading to a dramatic unraveling and a grim fate.

Caretaker of a rundown boarding house who embodies the street-level social world of colonial Melbourne. Her place is a crucible where vulnerable lives intersect and secrets sometimes surface.