“Anyway, what is an egg-shaped head? Have I ever seen an egg-shaped head? do I really know? I don’t because I never do see pictorial images clearly—but nevertheless I know that he has an egg-shaped head—covered with black, singularly black, hair—and I know his eyes occasionally shine with a strange light—and twice in my life I have actually seen him—once on a boat going to the Canary Islands — and once while having lunch at the Savoy . . . In the Savoy perhaps I could have gone to the man and explained the matter. But life is full of lost opportunities.” —Agatha Christie’s response when asked to clarify the physical details of Hercule Poirot in 1938

Mes amies.

Perhaps you too can recall the first time you either read and became quite fascinated by Agatha Christie’s Belgium detective Hercule Poirot, or saw him in the long-running television series portrayed by David Suchet – thirteen seasons running from 1989 and 2013 (available to watch on BritBox). Almost immediately, after watching Suchet’s Poirot, I was charmed, delighted and wanted to be Hercule Poirot, a person successful and respect in his craft utilizing his unique strengths while embracing his peculiarities rather than shrinking to fit into what others approved. Of course, it all depends upon the character’s portrayal on screen to create a likable persona, and Suchet did this brilliantly and with careful attention to the details written by Christie in Poirot’s character’s description.

Inspired by the series, I then began to read the books that inspired the many versions of Poirot that have been presented over the years. Following that, I read biographies about the character’s creation and the questions and protective nature Christie had for Poirot and his portrayal on screen. To say I am a fan of Poirot is an understatement, and I continue to discover more to appreciate about this multi-layered character who arrived in southern England from Belgium during WWI.

If you are reading this post and immediately can picture in your mind’s eye the dapper gentleman with the peculiar, yet also tidy mustache, then you are in the company of fellow fans of this yes, fictitious character, who seems all but real after having been known to the world now for over 100 years.

In Mark Aldridge’s biography of Agatha Christie’s Poirot: The Greatest Detective in the World, a book I highly recommend if you too are a fan of Poirot, he tells the full story of this beloved detective gathered from not only each short story and novel he ever appeared, but interviews with Agatha Christie regarding his character development, private discussions and other pertinent information that has never been gathered into one book.

Today, let’s explore twenty-five of the many characteristics that you may share with Hercule Poirot from the seemingly superficial to the inner workings that guide his approach to living life.

Hercule Poirot might be your kindred spirit if . . .

1) . . . you exercise a quiet bravery to live life as most aligns with your gifts even if nobody else understands. Life experience, unwanted especially, has made you aware of your ability to navigate tragedy and hardship with integrity.

2). . . attention to your wardrobe is given without apology, and tailoring, well, bien sûr !

3). . . you were/are overlooked by society initially, but to their misfortune as you are a talent enorm, and once people take the time to know you, they realize your special talents.

4). . . you are polite and respectful no matter the occasion or disrespect or dismissive treatment.

5). . . order and method guide your approach to successfully navigating life and work. From keeping to routines (It is time for my tisane Miss Lemon.), to trusting a method of productivity at work (using your little grey cells – psychology rather than violence – Poirot never wielded a gun to solve the crimes – Japp or Hastings may have, but never Poirot), you put in the effort, and consciously choose the routine that nurtures the life that brings you ease and success.

6). . . you carry yourself with dignity – standing up straight, shoulders back and head alert – regardless of your height.

7). . . a hot chocolate is a preferred drink of choice when not at work in the office (in that case, it is a tisane!). Belgium chocolate (in other words, high quality) is also preferred.

8). . . you appreciate delicious artisanal chocolate and permit yourself to indulge in one truffle.

9). . . you speak the French language intermittently while speaking English and do so in exclamation, appreciation or affection (Poirot being born in the southern region of Belgium).

10). . . . you value the use of logic as well psychology as it pertains to human motivations (using what many may say the left and right brain).

11). . . you do not hide your distaste for rudeness, hypocrisy, or lack of character but refrain from making a scene in front of the ones displaying such behavior.

12). . . you are keenly observant of society and individuals, more so than they might be of themselves.

13). . . feeling under the weather becomes a bit blown out of proportion as you dislike physical discomfort, but never delays you for long.

14). . . you enjoy your simple luxuries throughout your day and in everyday life (a beautiful bouquet of flowers or fruit bowl on display, a proper teacup & saucer, décor thoughtfully placed, beautiful tableware and place settings, etc. Pourquoi pas ?

15). . . choosing to not marry as to maintain both independence to give fully to your career or calling, as well as your sincere affection for another as you are cognizant that your predilections to maintain order may be trying to another in close company for a lifetime.

16). . . you are unexpectedly humorous and never at anyone’s expense as you know what that feels like having experienced being an outsider (in Poirot’s case, a refuge in a foreign land).

17). . . elegance instead of foolery or trend, you have good taste, and are not swayed by fads and slow to accept progress just because it’s the next new thing.

18). . . you prioritize continual learning and knowing over belief and superstition.

19). . . personal grooming – haircare, nail care, anything with personal hygiene, – is of the utmost importance to care for your individual style (maybe not a mustache for the ladies, but your most flattering haircut or color for example).

20). . . you value justice and fairness, but reluctantly know that life isn’t always black and white (Murder on the Orient Express).

21). . . symmetry, and yes, order, bring you great pleasure and comfort, down to the finest detail – décor, meal presentation, clothing. While ignorant observers may classify this as OCD, Poirot demonstrates it is the method that enables him to be the wise and successful detective that he is. In other words, symmetry, orderliness is the means, but not the purpose.

22). . . you are intuitive due to your well-honed awareness of the world around you and are also quietly confident to trust what may seem unlikely initially to others.

23). . . you have a healthy self-respect and security within yourself as a result of having to trust yourself when others doubted your abilities.

24). . . admittedly, you are flawed and perceived as vain, but all in an effort to again, maintain order and method to do what you can uniquely do.

25). . . remaining true to yourself, giving of your unique talents, despite being ‘different’, is your asset to success and living well.

Appearing in 33 novels, one play (Black Coffee), and more than 50 short stories published between 1920 and 1975, Poirot’s character has made an indelible impression hard to miss. Add to it the many new adaptions, and the impressions of Hercule Poirot continue to be more distinctive and true to the core of what we most love about this diminutive Belgian only in physical height — his intelligence, elegance and genuine interest in human behavior.

Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot is the first and only fictional character to have an official obituary published in a major newspaper and on the front page — August 6, 1975 in The New York Times – read it here. Is it any wonder he feels like a real person? 😌 This fact alone makes him even more of an actual person, even though we know that to be untrue; however, the power of truth in characters well crafted by their creators, as in the case by Christie, is that when readers and viewers can see something of themselves in the character, they seem to inhabit life and breath like us all. Such in the case most definitely with Poirot.

I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s post as we kick off TSLL’s 7th Annual British Week, and in the spirit of all things Hercule Poirot, the first giveaway is inspired by one of his favorite drinks paired with your favorite Poirot mystery to add to your library. Click here to be taken to the giveaway and enter (you will need to be a TOP Tier member to enter to win the giveaway – learn more about TSLL’s memberships here).

The 1st Giveaway of British Week 2025 – Hercule Poirot Inspired!

~Psst, rest assured, an exploration of Miss Marple will be shared soon. Stay tuned. ☺️

Explore all of the posts shared during TSLL’s 7th Annual British Week