Who is the true Hercule Poirot? Why has he chosen to tell Hastings parts of the story leading up to the murders, but refuses to divulge other information to Hastings? Do you believe that Poirot knows who the murderer is the whole time? Why do you think Poirot kills Norton at the end of the novel?

Discuss the relationship between Hastings and Poirot. Is there true competition in their relationship? How does Hastings feel about Poirot? How does Poirot feel about Hastings? How do Hastings's feelings change after Poirot's death? What does he do about it? What happens to Hastings?

Who is Norton? Is he smart, simple or just a really good actor? Do you think Norton could have pulled off the murders without convincing others to carry out the murders? Why do you think Norton agrees to tell Poirot what he saw? What...