Kind Hearts and Coronets — Characters & Cast

He wants revenge on the D'Ascoynes for how they treated his mother, and he wants the dukedom and the status that come with it.

Louis starts as the resentful son of a disowned mother. He becomes a methodical killer who works his way up the line of succession. His confident narration hides how fragile his position really is, and his own memoirs finally threaten to undo him.

Mostly they are busy with their own vanities, from hobbies and pomposity to faith and causes, and they never notice the danger.

Each D'Ascoyne gets a short, vivid sketch before being removed from the line of succession. Together they show a whole class in decline.

She is after comfort, status and power over Louis.

Sibella is Louis's childhood sweetheart. She marries for security, then becomes his lover, and eventually becomes the person who can decide his fate.

She lives by propriety, duty and moral principle.

Edith is the widow of one of Louis's victims. She becomes the refined, virtuous partner who matches his social ambitions.