The Scarlet Clue

A brilliant, skeptical detective who relies on deduction to unravel crimes. He travels with Watson to investigate Lady Penrose’s murder and quickly discerns that legends surrounding the monster mask human motive. Through patient reasoning and strategic misdirection, Holmes exposes Ramson and orchestrates a trap to capture him.

Holmes's loyal companion who provides practical observations and human perspective to the case. He initially notes the village’s fear of the monster but grows to see the killings as the work of a cunning criminal. Watson's medical instincts and steadfastness help Holmes piece together motives and expose Ramson.

Former actress tied to a notorious past murder who appears as Lady Penrose in the conference but is revealed to be Lillian Gentry. She fears for her life, prompting Holmes to investigate. Her history with Ramson provides crucial motive and emotional stakes to the case.

A master of disguise and the true killer in the village. Ramson has crafted new identities to escape past consequences and continues his murderous scheme under different guises. His calculated manipulation of clues and people keeps Holmes on the trail until the final confrontation.

Inn-keeper and former prison guard who becomes part of the plot’s trap. His knowledge of the marsh and the inn’s layout helps Holmes orchestrate the plan to catch the killer. He remains a pragmatic, cautious figure amid escalating danger.

Journet’s daughter who is killed by Ramson for not revealing his hideout. Her death escalates the pursuit and heightens the stakes of the investigation. Marie’s fate serves as a catalyst for Holmes to close in on the mastermind.