Meny

Sample of literary figures

  • Kay Scarpetta

    Female

    Patricia Cornwell’s protagonist is a forensic scientist based in Virginia, USA. She has been described as just over forty years old, blond with several love interests and a few female competitors who do not appreciate her confidence. She is a highly competent forensic investigator and crack shot, which is useful since she is often under threat. Scarpetta likes to cook in her spare time.

    Further reading

  • Tiny (Thobela) Mpayipheli

    Male

    South African warrior from the Xhosa tribe, renowned freedom-fighter – former ANC soldier – but also a Stasi agent and assassin for the KGB. He is the son of a peaceful pastor, and according to author Deon Meyer is a giant of a man with very dark skin and dazzlingly white teeth. Thobela ‘Tiny’ Mpayipheli is a skilled rugby player and for a while lives together with Miriam Nzululwazi, whose death hits him hard.

    Further reading

  • Patrick Kenzie

    Male

    Patrick Kenzie is a private detective from Boston. He works with his childhood friend Angela ”Angie” Gennaro. He is tough and quick-witted, he has a black sense of humour and a weak spot for his married partner, which makes their relationship complicated. Dennis Lehane has written a string of much acclaimed hardboiled, urban, violent police novels about the pair.

    Further reading

  • Miss Jane Marple

    Female

    Miss Jane Marple is a kind, but stern, elderly lady detective created by Agatha Christie. She lives in the village of St. Mary Mead where the good and bad habits of her fellow villagers have made her a good judge of human character. She often able to solve the most complicated case just by listening to an account of the events. She occasionally travels at home and abroad.

    Further reading