Armand Gamache is the protagonist of the novel, a chief inspector, and head of homicide for the Quebec Sûreté. When Clara sees him coming across the lawn, she describes him as “tall and powerfully built. In his mid-fifties and not yet going to fat, but showing evidence of a life lived with good books, wonderful food and leisurely walks. He looked like a professor” (6). Gamache’s professorial looks reflect his character, which is deeply thoughtful, a quality that informs the way he approaches his investigations.

Gamache is also able to put his feelings aside in consideration of others, even as he is being attacked. When Irene lashes out at him, he responds with “kindness. Not because he knew it would confuse or anger her further, but because he knew he’d had time to absorb his loss. And hers was fresh” (262). This ability to step outside of his own emotions is characteristic of not just Gamache but several of his literary predecessors, such as Poirot, as something that makes them a successful investigator—even as he is deeply interested in the emotional lives of his victims and suspects, he is able to maintain his equanimity, even in the face of confrontation.