Hercule Poirot is arguably the most famous fictional detective in the world. He is the protagonist in some of Agatha Christie’s world famous mystery novels. In Death on the Nile, one of Agatha Christie’s classics, Hercule Poirot faces a complicated case when a beautiful woman is murdered on their boat trip along the Nile. Poirot observes people even when he is not on a case, and so he is a natural detective. “Hercule Poirot turned his head. His gaze rested thoughtfully on Mr. Fanthorp’s back; then it shifted to the lounging figure of Mr. Ferguson who had his head thrown back and was whistling softly to himself.” (Christie 120) This passage explains how Poirot constantly observes people. He believes that the law is always to be followed, and strictly abides by it, as described in the quote, “Yes, Mademoiselle. I believe it is the unforgivable offence – to kill.”(Christie 80) Hercule Poirot is an extremely good listener, which has an effect on people that makes them confide in him, enabling him to gain more information when needed. “He was also extremely sympathetic. She found herself suddenly confiding in him her dislike of Joanna Southwood. It eased her to talk of the matter.” (Christie 136)When observing people, he never misses a thing, and even when you think he isn’t, Poirot is watching.
Hercule Poirot is a slightly comical character, being short and round. He has a sense of humor and doesn’t take life too seriously as described in this short exchange between Poirot and one of the passengers on the boat. “It’s all right, I suppose. I think Assuan’s a gloomy sort of place. The hotel’s half-empty, and everyone’s about a hundred ----“She stopped – biting her lip. Hercule Poirot’s eyes twinkled. “It is true, yes, I have one leg in the grave.” (Christie 48)This passage shows how Poirot is lighthearted and takes the comment with humor – instead of being offended. He is stubborn – when he has set his mind on something, nothing can change his views. “You will act for me?” “No, Madame.” His tone was firm “I will not accept a commission from you….”But you will not act for me?” “No, Madame.” (Christie 74) In this passage, Poirot has decided he will not work for her, and not even her promise of a large sum of money could change his mind. Poirot also has very keen eyesight, “Hercule Poirot looked round sharply.” (Christie 81) He is used to a life of luxury, and his successful carrier has made him slightly arrogant over the years. “I am not a middle man. I am a top man,” declared Hercule Poirot with slight arrogance.’ (Christie 123) Poirot also has style, as his attire is always well kept and of obvious luxury, “He was dressed in a white suit, pink shirt, large black bow tie and a white topee.“ (Christie 114) Hercule Poirot is a gentleman and always polite, not matter the situation. For example, Poirot has just told the famous novelist on board that he does not like to read novels but when she offers him a complimentary copy he politely obliges, “That is most kind of you Madame. I will read it with pleasure.” (Christie 59) Poirot is a devout Catholic, and is used to his routines. His mustache is always kept up to perfection, he will only eat two boiled eggs if they are exactly the same height, and he is suits are always pressed. “He wore a white silk suit, carefully pressed, and a panama hat and carried a highly ornamental fly whisk with a sham amber handle.”(Christie 48)
Poirot is not necessarily very modest about his success, and is even slightly hurt when someone does not seem to recognize him. Most people do, however, recognize him and he is a much respected man in society. One of the passengers on the boat, Mrs. Van Schuyler, who is an aristocratic lady that only converses with few, exclusive people on the boat who she feels deserve her attention – Mr. Poirot turns out to be one of these ‘deserving’ people. At the beginning of the book, when everyone began to get to know each other, everyone on the boat was aware of the ‘celebrity’ on board – the famous detective, Poirot is a genius Belgian detective, with his meticulously kept moustache and perfectionist personality it is always a welcome surprise when he manages to solve yet another baffling mystery.
