Mrs. Ackroyd Character Analysis in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

Roger Ackroyd’s sister-in-law from marriage to Cecil Ackroyd, Roger’s ne’er-do-well younger brother. As Dr. Sheppard describes her, she’s an exceptionally tiresome woman, who complains constantly and drones on about dull topics. She’s considered a suspect because of her heavy financial dependence on Roger Ackroyd, and her heavy debts, none of which Roger knew about at the time of his death.

Mrs. Ackroyd Character Timeline in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

The timeline below shows where the character Mrs. Ackroyd appears in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Secrecy and the Universal Capacity for Violence Theme Icon

...be involved with a housekeeper named Miss Russell. Another recent arrival in the village was Mrs. Ackroyd , the widow of Roger’s “ne’er do-well younger brother” Cecil Ackroyd, and her daughter. Dr.... (full context)

...and Roger has promised to set them up in one of his houses. Just then, Mrs. Ackroyd enters. Dr. Sheppard dislikes Mrs. Ackroyd greatly: she’s cold and “most unpleasant.” Mrs. Ackroyd professes... (full context)

At dinner, Dr. Sheppard sits next to Mrs. Ackroyd and Flora Ackroyd. Dinner is tense, and Roger Ackroyd seems depressed. After dinner, Roger leads... (full context)

...alibis between 9:45 and 10:00. Major Blunt was in the billiard room with Mr. Raymond; Mrs. Ackroyd was there, too, and went to sleep around 9:55. Flora Ackroyd was seen walking from... (full context)

...house, Dr. Sheppard, Poirot, Flora, and Major Blunt meet Mr. Hammond, who’s been speaking with Mrs. Ackroyd . Mrs. Ackroyd tells the group that she believes Ralph to have “accidentally” killed Roger.... (full context)

At lunch, Mrs. Ackroyd tells Dr. Sheppard that she’s hurt about being left only 10,000 pounds. She adds that... (full context)

...meet with the “family.” Later that day, they meet in the Ackroyd house with Raymond, Mrs. Ackroyd , Flora, and Major Blunt. Poirot first asks Flora to disclose Ralph’s location if she’s... (full context)

...for. He asks why the stranger went to the summerhouse, and Poirot points out that Mrs. Ackroyd said she’d brought Flora from Canada. Poirot next brings up the parlormaid’s dismissal, pointing out... (full context)

On Tuesday, Mrs. Ackroyd summons Dr. Sheppard to examine her. She claims that she’s “prostrated” by the horror of... (full context)

Mrs. Ackroyd proceeds to explain to Dr. Sheppard that she’s had “many bills,” some of which she... (full context)

The afternoon after he sees Mrs. Ackroyd , Dr. Sheppard comes home, and Caroline informs him that Geoffrey Raymond has left—he was... (full context)

...Poirot’s house, Sheppard presents Poirot with the jam and tells him about his conversation with Mrs. Ackroyd . Poirot is interested in this information, but not too excited. The key point, he... (full context)

...to come to his house that evening, and to invite Major Blunt, Flora, Raymond, and Mrs. Ackroyd . (full context)

Dr. Sheppard goes off to the Ackroyd house to invite everyone. Inside, he finds Mrs. Ackroyd , who tells her that Flora has just gotten engaged to Major Blunt. She notes... (full context)

...darkness. The guests arrive. Poirot introduces them to Ursula, explaining that she’s Ralph Paton’s wife. Mrs. Ackroyd is surprised. Flora tells Ursula not to worry, adding that she wishes Ralph had told... (full context)

Poirot clears his throat, signaling for everyone to sit down. Everyone is here: John Parker, Mrs. Ackroyd , Flora Ackroyd, Raymond, Ursula Bourne, Hector Blunt, and Elizabeth Russell. Poirot points out that... (full context)