Murder on the orient express summary chapter 1 – Murder on the Orient Express, Chapter 1 introduces the infamous Hercule Poirot to a perplexing murder aboard the luxurious Orient Express. As the train traverses the snowy landscapes, Poirot finds himself amidst a diverse group of passengers, each with their own secrets and motives.
The discovery of a murdered passenger, Ratchett, sets in motion a thrilling investigation, as Poirot meticulously unravels the intricate web of relationships and alibis.
Introduction: Murder On The Orient Express Summary Chapter 1
Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novel, “Murder on the Orient Express,” unfolds aboard the luxurious train of the same name during a snowy winter night. Chapter 1 introduces the setting, characters, and the shocking murder that sets the stage for the rest of the novel.
The Setting
Chapter 1 establishes the novel’s setting on a cold and snowy night in December. The Orient Express, bound for Istanbul, is stranded in the snowy mountains of Yugoslavia due to an avalanche. The passengers are forced to remain on the train, isolated from the outside world.
Main Characters
Chapter 1 introduces several key characters:
- Hercule Poirot: The renowned Belgian detective, known for his sharp intellect and keen observation skills.
- Ratchett: The wealthy and mysterious American businessman, who becomes the victim of the murder.
- Samuel Ratchett: Ratchett’s secretary, who provides conflicting information about his employer’s past.
- Pierre Michel: Ratchett’s valet, who is found unconscious in his master’s compartment after the murder.
- Hector MacQueen: A young Englishman traveling with his mother.
- Mary Debenham: A governess returning to England after working abroad.
The Murder, Murder on the orient express summary chapter 1
The murder of Ratchett occurs in the middle of the night, while the train is stalled in the snow. Ratchett is stabbed multiple times in his compartment, and the circumstances surrounding his death are initially unclear.
The Suspects
With the train isolated and no way to contact the outside world, the passengers become the prime suspects in Ratchett’s murder. Chapter 1 introduces several individuals who may have had motives to kill him:
- Princess Dragomiroff: A Russian aristocrat who claims to have lost her valuable jewels to Ratchett.
- Count and Countess Andrenyi: A Hungarian couple who lost their daughter to a kidnapper, whom they believe to be Ratchett.
- Colonel Arbuthnot: A British army officer who knew Ratchett from his past in India.
- Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard: An elderly American couple who seem to be hiding something.
- Greta Ohlsson: A Swedish missionary who works with orphans.
Poirot’s Arrival
After the murder, Hercule Poirot arrives on the scene to investigate the crime. Poirot’s meticulous attention to detail and sharp deductive reasoning quickly become evident as he begins to gather evidence and interview the suspects.
Clues and Evidence
Chapter 1 provides several key clues that Poirot uses to piece together the events leading up to the murder:
- The locked compartment: Ratchett’s compartment is found locked from the inside, suggesting that the killer was still present after the murder.
- The bloody handkerchief: A bloody handkerchief is found in Ratchett’s compartment, bearing the initials “H.R.”
- The anonymous letter: An anonymous letter is found in Ratchett’s luggage, threatening his life.
Chapter Summary
Chapter 1 of “Murder on the Orient Express” introduces the setting, characters, and the shocking murder that sets the stage for the rest of the novel. The murder of Ratchett leaves the passengers stranded on the train as suspects, and Hercule Poirot’s arrival promises to uncover the truth behind the crime.
Question Bank
Who is the main protagonist of Chapter 1?
Hercule Poirot
What is the setting of Chapter 1?
The Orient Express, traveling through snowy landscapes
Who is the murder victim?
Ratchett
