Ralph Paton’s Disappearance

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

This flow follows Ralph’s movement from financial desperation and concealed marriage to flight, concealment, and vindication.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Troubled Heir A Troubled Heir from "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd". A Troubled Heir Inherited instability Ralph Paton grows up as Roger Ackroyd’s adopted son and expected heir.

A Troubled Heir from "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd". A Troubled Heir Inherited instability Ralph Paton grows up as Roger Ackroyd’s adopted son and expected heir.

A Troubled Heir Inherited instability Ralph Paton grows up as Roger Ackroyd’s adopted son and expected heir. He is charming, but extravagant and prone to taking the easy way out. Debt and dependence Repeated financial trouble keeps him reliant on Ackroyd. The prospect of losing his inheritance later makes his ordinary weakness look like a murderous motive.

A Secret Marriage A Secret Marriage from "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd". A Secret Marriage A private commitment Ralph marries Ursula Bourne secretly, fearing Ackroyd will reject a penniless bride.

A Secret Marriage from "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd". A Secret Marriage A private commitment Ralph marries Ursula Bourne secretly, fearing Ackroyd will reject a penniless bride.

A Secret Marriage A private commitment Ralph marries Ursula Bourne secretly, fearing Ackroyd will reject a penniless bride. The marriage offers intimacy but requires the deception Ursula dislikes. The secret strains Ralph promises to reform and become independent, yet continues to seek financial rescue. His inability to make the promise real leaves Ursula exposed to a second, public engagement.

The Engagement Trap The Engagement Trap from "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd". The Engagement Trap A practical arrangement Ralph accepts an engagement to Flora Ackroyd partly to secure money and a fresh start.

The Engagement Trap from "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd". The Engagement Trap A practical arrangement Ralph accepts an engagement to Flora Ackroyd partly to secure money and a fresh start.

The Engagement Trap A practical arrangement Ralph accepts an engagement to Flora Ackroyd partly to secure money and a fresh start. Flora too sees marriage as a route out of financial dependence, not a great romance. The secret breaks open Ursula learns of the engagement and demands that Ralph tell the truth. Their argument in the wood makes his divided loyalties public through Caroline’s gossip.

A Suspect Disappears A Suspect Disappears from "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd". A Suspect Disappears Fear after the killing Ralph leaves the summerhouse and wanders without an alibi. Dr.

A Suspect Disappears from "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd". A Suspect Disappears Fear after the killing Ralph leaves the summerhouse and wanders without an alibi. Dr.

A Suspect Disappears Fear after the killing Ralph leaves the summerhouse and wanders without an alibi. Dr. James Sheppard tells him the facts make him look guilty and offers help. Flight mistaken for guilt Ralph vanishes rather than face questioning, fearing that evidence might implicate Ursula. His absence strengthens the police case against him even as his motive is protective.

The Hidden Patient Returns The Hidden Patient Returns from "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd". The Hidden Patient Returns A concealed refuge Sheppard hides Ralph in a nearby nursing home under another name.

The Hidden Patient Returns from "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd". The Hidden Patient Returns A concealed refuge Sheppard hides Ralph in a nearby nursing home under another name.

The Hidden Patient Returns A concealed refuge Sheppard hides Ralph in a nearby nursing home under another name. Poirot discovers the arrangement by testing Caroline’s knowledge of local institutions. Reputation restored Ralph appears at Poirot’s gathering and gives his account. With Ursula beside him and the real murderer identified, the apparent fugitive is cleared.

Before the murder, over several years

March, six months before the murder

The week before the murder

Friday night after the murder

Near the ending, after Poirot’s final gathering begins