Dew's Agatha Christie Mystery Site
Physical Description: Some Information About Hercule Poirot
€Hercule is a "tidy, little man." (Agatha Christie's words)
€Has black hair, which stays that way later later in his life thanks to his use of "a tonic, not a dye."
€He always keeps his prized mustache in perfect condition, "stiff and military." As he tells Hastings, "Never, in the whole of London, have I seen a pair of moustaches to equal mine."
€"He was hardly five feet, four inches, but carried himself with great dignity."
€"His head was exactly the shape of an egg, and he always perched it a little on one side."
€He always wears formal, proper clothing. "The neatness of his attire was almost incredible. I believe a speck of dust would have caused him more pain than a bullet wound."
Personality/Other Characteristics:
€When we first met Poirot, he has already retired, full of honor, from the Beligian police force. A refugee from the war, he currently lives in England.
€He speaks complex thoughts in English while saying easy phrases in French.
€He has been known to thrown books away in the trash can (after he has thrown them across from the room first) because he dislikes them.
€Loves the indoors
€Likes order, symmetry in his surroundings
€Is an Egoist and brags about his moustache as well as his abilities as a detective
€Enjoyed the finer things in life, including luxury hotels and good food.
€Has a sweet tooth and is particularly fond of hot chocolate "with foaming cream." He dislikes afternooon tea.
€Loves to eat and regrets that there is only three meals in a day
€Constantly repeats himself, often to Hasting's chagrin.
His Approach To Life:
€Has a passion for truth and knowledge.
€Always is on the lookout for a good mental challenge. After all, "If the gray cells are not exercised, they grow rust."
€Thinks first of justice--he's not above peeping in keyholes, reading the mail of others, or lying to a suspect in order to get him/her to confess.
€Believes that a large part of solving crimes is by sitting quietly and thinking.
€Thanks to his foreign birth and his manner, many are able to trust Poirot and confide in him. This ability earns him the nicknames "Papa Poirot" and "Father confessor."
€Believes in the help of others, particularly Arthur Hastings. "Always--always--you help me--you bring me luck. You inspire me," Poirot tells Hastings in "The ABC Murders." However, Poirot is also quick to point out Hasting's failings as well.
€Uses logical deduction ("his gray cells" as he calls them) to come up with the answers.
