Betty and Megan as Sisters

The A.B.C. Murders

This thread traces Megan’s complicated devotion to Betty, from candid criticism through grief to the preservation of her sister’s real character.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Different Sisters Different Sisters from "The A.B.C. Murders". Contrast Without Estrangement Betty’s social ease Betty is pretty, playful, and drawn to compliments.

Different Sisters from "The A.B.C. Murders". Contrast Without Estrangement Betty’s social ease Betty is pretty, playful, and drawn to compliments.

Contrast Without Estrangement Betty’s social ease Betty is pretty, playful, and drawn to compliments. Megan is more intense and self-contained, often judging her sister’s choices. Affection beneath criticism Megan’s bluntness does not mean indifference. She believes Betty is heading toward trouble and tries to make her understand the consequences.

Advice Not Taken Advice Not Taken from "The A.B.C. Murders". A Sister Tries to Intervene Warning about Donald Megan sees that Betty’s lies and flirtations are damaging her relationship with Donald.

Advice Not Taken from "The A.B.C. Murders". A Sister Tries to Intervene Warning about Donald Megan sees that Betty’s lies and flirtations are damaging her relationship with Donald.

A Sister Tries to Intervene Warning about Donald Megan sees that Betty’s lies and flirtations are damaging her relationship with Donald. She urges her sister to change course. A familiar refusal Betty believes she has done no real harm and continues to enjoy her freedom. Their disagreement remains affectionate but unresolved.

The Murdered Sister The Murdered Sister from "The A.B.C. Murders". Shock and Disclosure Public grief Megan returns to the family home and faces the news that Betty is dead.

The Murdered Sister from "The A.B.C. Murders". Shock and Disclosure Public grief Megan returns to the family home and faces the news that Betty is dead.

Shock and Disclosure Public grief Megan returns to the family home and faces the news that Betty is dead. She initially tells Hastings a deliberately false, idealized account. Trust earned Poirot explains that the killer’s letters point to a stranger. Megan then reveals the truth about Betty’s life and Donald’s jealousy.

The Unsent Gift The Unsent Gift from "The A.B.C. Murders". A Small Grief Their mother’s stockings Megan remembers Mrs Barnard crying over stockings bought for Betty on the day she died.

The Unsent Gift from "The A.B.C. Murders". A Small Grief Their mother’s stockings Megan remembers Mrs Barnard crying over stockings bought for Betty on the day she died.

A Small Grief Their mother’s stockings Megan remembers Mrs Barnard crying over stockings bought for Betty on the day she died. The ordinary gift makes the absence painfully immediate. Sympathy shared Franklin Clarke understands the force of such details, and Megan responds with warmth. The exchange deepens a bond that will later prove dangerous.

Living With the Truth Living With the Truth from "The A.B.C. Murders". Love Without Idealization Betty restored Megan’s account has helped prevent her sister from becoming a false, perfect symbol.

Living With the Truth from "The A.B.C. Murders". Love Without Idealization Betty restored Megan’s account has helped prevent her sister from becoming a false, perfect symbol.

Love Without Idealization Betty restored Megan’s account has helped prevent her sister from becoming a false, perfect symbol. She preserves Betty’s charm and foolishness together. A future not erased Megan continues living after her sister’s death and may build a relationship with Donald. Her love for Betty does not require remaining frozen in mourning.

Before July 1935

About one month before the murder

July 25, 1935

After the murder, during the Legion meeting

After the culprit is exposed