Character Descriptions
Mrs. Elbert Smythe Stevenson: Mrs. Stevenson is bedridden and bemoans that she cannot get out of her bed. She depends heavily on her bedside telephone. The medical condition that affects her is not named. However, in conversing with a hospital staffer, she indicates that she is “not under a doctor's care at the moment.” She tells them that the “nature of the case is nerves,” and at numerous other times, she describes herself as “very nervous.” Within the course of the play, although her nervous conditions are likely exacerbated by her concerns over the murder plot, she is very short-tempered and demanding.
The Operator(s)/Information: 1-5: It is not clear if Mrs. Stevenson speaks to the same operator every time she calls or if she speaks to several different people. During one conversation, she refers to the operator as “young woman.” Although the occupation of telephone operator was commonly held by women, it cannot be ascertained that if there are multiple operators, all of them are women.
The Chief Operator: The chief operator is a supervisor with whom Mrs. Stevenson speaks at the operator’s insistence after being dissatisfied with the service.
Sergeant Duffy: Mrs. Stevenson speaks on the phone with an individual at the police station.
Henchly Hospital Receptionist: An unnamed individual answers the phone at Henchly Hospital when Mrs. Stevenson calls. Miss Phillips is the person they identify as someone who could help her with her request to obtain an overnight nurse, but she is on her dinner break.
An Unexplained Presence in the House – Man 1 & 2: These men appear throughout the play. Near the play’s end, Mrs. Stevenson hears a click on the telephone line, indicating that someone is listening on the downstairs extension. The audience cannot be certain if this person is actually in the house or if Mrs. Stevenson’s imagination has gotten the best of her.
Information
Western Union
A Lunch Room Counter Attendant
