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“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).
~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
No better kickoff than Poirot! I will certainly have to get the dvds out again, although they’re never far away. I’ve been on a Marple kick lately, but nearing the end of those at just the right time, it seems. Suchet is truly outstanding, he tucks Poirot securely in your heart, never to leave. His facial expressions are priceless, especially when annoyed 🤨. His kind treatment of children and servants is so endearing. He knows where to get the most honest and unfiltered information. The loyalty and chemistry between him, Hastings and Miss Lemon is a joy to watch. Favorite moments include his English being corrected, him not really caring and the tres appropriate French he pulls out from time to time.
What a beautiful and pinpoint accurate way of describing how Suchet embodies Poirot. And all that you have described – yes! And the chuckles I always have when his English is corrected – such subtle, but lovely humor sprinkled throughout the episodes. Thank you for sharing these moments with us all that speak to you and that you adore. 🙂
Love that you are kicking off British Week with Poirot. One of my favorite characters and as I mentioned in the giveway post I find the books, but especially the series with David Suchet, to be comforting. I have started to listen to the audio books on my commute and it helps me to get through a generally annoying part of my day (traffic is horrendous where I live 😭). Looking forward to your post on Miss Marple and the rest of British Week.
Krislen,
I completely agree with you about the comfort. And to your other pondering – murder, comforting? – I think part of it is because they aren’t gruesome or the fixation of the episode, but rather, as has been shared, the relationships are, the sleuthing itself and Poirot’s talents of never been deterred from solving the crime which is also a comfort – all is known and the questions are answered.
What a wonderful idea to listen to the books on tape during your commute. Thank you for sharing! Who narrates the books you read?
Thank you for stopping by and kicking off British Week with us. I do hope you enjoy the week!
Yes, I was also going to ask who narrates the books…sure that Suchet is much to much to wish for 😊.
It is a bit of a conundrum that something so ghastly as murder is endlessly entertaining in British mysteries. Shannon definitely hit on something, that the act isn’t fixated on but all the interweaving motives and lives surrounding it.
I also think dark crime is used to highlight the beautiful counterpart of all that’s lovely in life. I’m a proud addict of the cozy mystery! Oh, and of course le crime stretches out our little grey cells, necessary indeed.
Enjoy this week and your books on commute!
The one I am currently listening to is narrated by Hugh Fraser who played Hastings in the series with David Suchet so it’s a familiar voice. I have a few on request with the library via the Libby app and those are narrated by David Suchet himself. 😊
Oh wow, love Hugh Fraser, too, thanks.
Dearest Shannon, a perfect start to British Week. I AM Poirot🤭 I truly can relate to your observations. Throughout life I have been described as ‘different’ which I take as a compliment. I stepped out of the norm on many occasions, becoming divorced and going on to attend university at age 37 (to study Anthropology), and most recently walking the Camino, the Compostella de Santiago aged 66. A university tutor once observed “there’s something different about you, it’s class. You have class”. When we follow our own heart, or live the TSLL, we earn respect. Looking forward to British Week, very best wishes, Sue, England.
Sue,
Absolutely a delight to “see” you this morning. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing what you have. Your uniqueness and courage to embrace it, just as Poirot has is an inspiration and I so tickled that you have! Your university tutor’s words and observation brought a smile and remind us all to honor what speaks from within our own heart even if others are going about life different. Thank you again for stopping by as we kick off British Week!
Hercule Poirot is a delightful start to British week! Miss Marple is waiting in the wings.
Years ago while struggling to get through a blistering hot, dry summer in Dallas I ordered a set of leather bound Agatha Christie books to transport me to the cool and rainy paradise of England. They still have pride of place in my library!
Cannon,
What a wonderful way of demonstrating how powerful reading our favorite characters can be! It is more than an escape, it can be an adventure and a place of tranquility needed all at the same time. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this story of welcoming Miss Marple into your library now always within arms’ reach. 🙂 Happy British Week and thank you for your comment. 🙂
He sounds charming!
I wanted to make 2025, my Christie reading year but I quickly became overwhelmed by all the choices of books. Instead, I decided on a 2025 Maisie Dobbs reading year. Thank you for introducing her to me: personal growth in a character and historic zeitgeist are a big win for me.
Now, I know that I can make 2026, my Poirot reading year! And maybe Miss Marple in 2027. It makes so much sense to go with a série instead of the whole Christie oeuvres.
What a great idea! And so tickled you are enjoying Maisie Dobbs, another British character so well crafted and likeable so seems real as well.
Hello Véronique! I am also having a 2025 Maisie Dobbs year! Admittedly I’ve already read all the books, but when the final book was written last year, I decided to re-read all the books in order before picking up the final one. Isn’t she an absolutely wonderful character? I am enjoying her even more the 2nd time around.
I may follow suit and make 2026 my Poirot year as well! Happy Reading 😊
Hello coachdanibe!
What a great idea! I can already see myself rereading them when arriving at the last one even if I am only on the sixth in the series. Let’s make it a Poirot 2026 year!
Have a great week!
This was such a delightful way to begin my Sunday morning! Thank you!
Great kick off to British Week, Shannon. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your list of Poirot’s characteristics. He is quite delightful. 😊
Dear Shannon,
What a list! Your grey cells have painted an elegant analysis bringing M. Poirot fully to life…I’ll come back to this again, thank you! Like so many here, I’m an ardent fan, returning to re-read and always finding something new and unexpected in the text. I don’t think I am M. Poirot, haha! Too spontaneous and less than methodical, my loss. But I would be both thrilled and apprehensive to meet him. Perhaps that is what we do when we re-read…rather than reading, we are having a sort of meeting with him. What fun to ponder, and a delightful kickoff, thank you!
Liz, what a great concept that we meet and meet up with characters in books. I know I have to reread books when I start to “miss” the characters. And, they tend to “change” just a bit as we do…funny, that! 😊
It sounds like M. Poirot would observe you in your spontaneity, secretly admire it and certainly use it to his advantage in a case 😉. I love when Ariadne comes on the scene, great chemistry…
What a pleasure to read Poirot’s obituary in the New York Times! Thank you for sharing!
Shannon,
I absolutely love this post!! What a great way to celebrate and start the week. Have an amazing day
Nanci, so tickled you enjoyed it! Thank you for stopping by to kick off this special week! Cheers! ☺️🇬🇧❤️
Dear Shannon,
What a delightful way to kick off British Week! I’ve enjoyed reading Agatha Christie’s Poirot mysteries and watching them on Brit Box. You summed up his character traits on point. I’m going to check out his obituary. How funny that an imaginary character had one created for him. 🤔
Cheerio!
As always Shannon, British Week is a bit of a vacation for me, a very pleasant distraction from the busy Spring season. While I do see some elements of Poirot in my personality, there are several others I wish to acquire. Your list is just perfect and if I were one to paste such things on a refrigerator door (which I am not) it would be front and center. Agatha Christie could weave a murder mystery like no one else, minus the gruesome and tawdry, her novels were truly the standard by which I have measured other similar genre reads. I didn’t know an obituary existed and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Thank you for such an interesting start to the week!
Lucy, I totally agree, Shannon’s list is perfect and I do not hang or post things to my refrigerator door either. However, I DO ‘copy & paste’ such interesting things and save to a folder on my desktop.😉So thank you, Shannon!😊
David Suchet is the best Hercule Poirot, although I will give props to Albert Finney in “Murder on the OE.” I have more of a problem with the latest Miss Marples. Joan Hickson is the best to me, and those shows stayed true to the books. The more recent Miss Marple productions have totally lost me with their deviations from the novels.
On the non HP and JM shows, a recent adaptation of “Why Didn’t they ask Evans?” was very good, but I was really disappointed in the new “Towards Zero”. When Agatha Christie gives you the gift of a well crafted story, you shouldn’t fool with it!!
Agreed! Especially your last point! 🙂 Thank you for sharing Kate.☺️
Absolutely agree with you about “Towards Zero”, Kate, and Albert Finney. But of course, as you say, hard to beat David Suchet, he has my heart.😊
Hercule Poirot has always epitomized elegant and cultured intelligence to me. “ABC Murders” was the first Poirot adventure I read, a paperback picked up in the souks of al-Khobar when I was 14. I’ve been a Christie fan ever since, but, especially a Poirot fan. David Suchet’s portrayal of the suave Belgian detective was spot on and I so enjoy re-watching any and all of the episodes. The Tommy and Tuppence series,”Partners in Crime”, is next on my BritBox watchlist. Their Agatha Christie Collection is worth the price of a subscription alone! Excellent entry into British Week 2025, Shannon, many thanks!
‘Their’ as in BritBox, not Tommy & Tuppence🙃
What a fun, thoughtful, and creative post. The ideas you’ve distilled from Christie’s oeuvre–and more especially, the depth of your understanding of Poirot’s character–make for a delightful piece. For many of us, Poirot and Miss Marple are “actual” personalities, held in high regard and viewed with great fondness. You have expressed that beautifully here. Adaptations are tricky since we all have our own vision of what they would be like; for me it’s Team Suchet-Hickson all the way. And does anyone else have a crush on Hastings?
Thank you for sharing this charming essay, Shannon.
I do, Deborah, I do….his knowledge and love of cars and blind willingness to be Poirot’s muscle make him a perfect specimen of masculinity 😉☺️. Also polite to a fault. Sigh.
Hickson is a treasure, for sure, but I’ve come to appreciate McKenzie and McEwan. Those adaptations added a bit extra for me as far as music, costuming, etc.
By the way, Shannon, what is your favorite Poirot mystery?
Melissa,
Great question and so very hard to choose. I love a variety of them for different reasons, but I do like The Murder of Roger A., and the Orient Express. Cards on the Table is great and any one with Adrienne. Love her as well. ☺️