Invitation to Indian Island

Ten strangers receive invitations to Indian Island, each under different pretenses. They are lured by a mysterious host, U.N. Owen, who remains absent. As they arrive, they are greeted by the island's isolation and the luxurious house, setting the stage for an ominous gathering.

Arrival and Accusations

After dinner, a gramophone recording accuses each guest of a past crime, causing shock and denial. The guests realize they are trapped on the island with no way to leave, and suspicion begins to brew among them as they grapple with the accusations.

First Deaths Unfold

The guests are horrified as Anthony Marston dies suddenly, followed by Mrs. Rogers. Both deaths eerily align with the verses of a nursery rhyme displayed in each room. Panic sets in as they realize a murderer is among them, following a deadly pattern.

Fear and Paranoia

As more guests die, including General Macarthur and Emily Brent, fear and paranoia grip the survivors. They search the island for the killer, but find no one else. The realization dawns that the murderer is one of them, heightening the tension and distrust.

The Search for the Killer

The remaining guests, now reduced to Vera, Lombard, Blore, and Armstrong, attempt to secure themselves and find the killer. Armstrong disappears, and Blore is killed by a falling statue. Vera and Lombard confront each other, leading to Lombard's death.

The Final Four

Alone, Vera is haunted by her past and the deaths around her. She finds Armstrong's body washed ashore, confirming her suspicions. In a state of hysteria, she hangs herself, completing the nursery rhyme's prophecy.

The Last Stand

A manuscript found in a bottle reveals Justice Wargrave as the mastermind behind the murders. Driven by a twisted sense of justice, he orchestrated the deaths to punish those who escaped the law, ultimately taking his own life to complete his perfect crime.

Characters

Justice Wargrave

A retired judge with a strong sense of justice, Wargrave orchestrates the murders on Indian Island. His cunning and manipulative nature allow him to execute his plan flawlessly, driven by a desire to punish those who escaped legal justice.

Vera Claythorne

A former governess, Vera is plagued by guilt over a child's death in her care. Her psychological unraveling is central to the story, culminating in her suicide as she succumbs to the island's terror and her own remorse.

Philip Lombard

Known for his reckless and amoral nature, Lombard is suspected by others due to his past. His survival instincts and charm make him a formidable presence, but ultimately, he is outwitted and killed by Vera.

Dr. Armstrong

A successful physician with a dark secret, Armstrong is manipulated by Wargrave into aiding his plan. His trust in Wargrave leads to his downfall, as he becomes one of the victims in the judge's deadly game.

Emily Brent

A deeply religious woman, Brent is unrepentant for her role in a servant's suicide. Her rigid moral code and lack of empathy make her an easy target for Wargrave's scheme, leading to her death by cyanide.

William Blore

A former police inspector, Blore is pragmatic and suspicious, often clashing with the others. His determination to solve the mystery is thwarted by his own demise, crushed by a falling statue.

Anthony Marston

Marston's carefree and irresponsible nature leads to his early death. His lack of remorse for past actions makes him the first victim, setting the tone for the unfolding horror.

General Macarthur

Haunted by his past actions during the war, Macarthur becomes resigned to his fate on the island. His acceptance of death contrasts with the others' desperation, marking him as a tragic figure.

Mr. and Mrs. Rogers

The caretakers of the island, the Rogers couple are accused of causing their employer's death. Their fear and subservience make them vulnerable, leading to their deaths early in the sequence.

Isaac Morris

A shady businessman, Morris facilitates the purchase of the island and the guests' invitations. His death before the events on the island ensures no loose ends, as he is poisoned by Wargrave.

Plot Devices

Nursery Rhyme

The "Ten Little Indians" rhyme serves as the framework for the murders, with each death mimicking a verse. This device creates a sense of inevitability and suspense, as the characters try to predict and prevent their fates.

Isolation

The island's isolation heightens the tension and fear among the guests, as they realize there is no escape. This setting amplifies the psychological horror, forcing the characters to confront their pasts and each other.

Red Herrings

Wargrave's plan includes several red herrings, such as Armstrong's disappearance and the missing revolver, to mislead the guests and the reader. These devices maintain suspense and uncertainty until the final revelation.

Analysis

"And Then There Were None" explores themes of justice, guilt, and the human psyche. Wargrave's twisted sense of justice drives the plot, as he punishes those who escaped legal retribution. The characters' pasts and their reactions to the accusations reveal the complexity of guilt and morality. The novel's structure, with its methodical elimination of characters, creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, reflecting the characters' psychological torment. Christie's use of the nursery rhyme as a plot device adds a layer of inevitability and horror, as the characters are drawn inexorably towards their fates. The novel remains a classic of the mystery genre, renowned for its intricate plotting and psychological depth.