Marlowe’s Ethical Code

Marlowe’s loyalty to clients repeatedly conflicts with police procedure, personal danger, and the obligation to tell the truth.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Client Comes First

The Client Comes First A professional posture Philip Marlowe accepts General Guy Sternwood’s assignment and treats confidentiality as part of the work. He refuses to disclose the private interview to Vivian. A personal standard His loyalty is not simple obedience: he questions the job and tries to understand the client’s real concern. The case begins as a test of how far that standard will reach.

Withholding a Murder

Withholding a Murder A private decision After finding Arthur Gwynn Geiger dead, Philip Marlowe removes Carmen Sternwood and leaves without notifying the police. He fears that reporting the scene would expose her. A growing cost The decision allows evidence and bodies to be moved. Marlowe’s protection of a client creates risks for later investigations and for himself.

The Police Conference

The Police Conference A partial account Philip Marlowe describes the murders to Taggart Wilde and Captain Cronjager but withholds Carmen’s visit to Brody and Eddie Mars’s visit to Geiger’s home. Accountability challenged Cronjager argues that Marlowe’s silence enabled another killing. Marlowe acknowledges the danger but defends his effort to protect his client.

Evidence as Leverage

Evidence as Leverage A threat of exposure Marlowe uses the illicit bookstore evidence to persuade the police to suppress the Sternwood connection. He makes a public scandal a counterweight to private scandal. A compromised victory The tactic protects the family but lets law enforcement preserve a convenient account. Marlowe’s code operates within, rather than outside, the city’s corrupt arrangements.

A Final Promise

A Final Promise Protection without absolution Philip Marlowe tells Vivian Regan the truth about Carmen’s crime and demands that she arrange care for her sister. He refuses the fifteen thousand dollars she offers. An unfinished duty He gives Vivian three days to act and tells her he will deal with Eddie Mars. His choice protects the family while leaving him responsible for a truth he cannot publicly disclose.

the first morning

the night Geiger is killed

the second evening

later that night

the final morning