Main Characters

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – The famous author of the Sherlock Holmes stories. In the novel, he takes up George Edalji’s case to clear his name.

George Edalji – A half-Indian solicitor who is wrongfully convicted of animal mutilation in Edwardian England. His case is central to the story.

Reverend Shapurji Edalji – George's father, a Parsi Christian convert and vicar.

Charlotte Edalji – George’s mother, supportive and strong.

Maud Edalji – George’s sister, practical and concerned for the family's reputation.

Jean Leckie – Conan Doyle’s love interest, who plays an important emotional role in his life after the death of his first wife.

Touie (Louisa Conan Doyle) – Arthur’s first wife, who dies during the story but remains a presence in his thoughts.

Woodie – Alfred Wood, Conan Doyle’s private secretary.

Colonel Anson – A representative of the police, resistant to revisiting the Edalji case.

Minor Characters

Inspector Campbell – One of the officers involved in George Edalji’s case.

Mr. Meek – A journalist interested in the case.

Major-General McLeod – Part of the establishment that dismisses George's appeals.

Horace – Conan Doyle’s son.