Character Relationship Map: No Trace

Characters

• Robert Southley (played by Hugh Sinclair) — protagonist

  A crime novelist who murders the man blackmailing him and constructs an alibi. He invites Inspector MacDougall to involve him in the investigation, while beginning a novel based on the killing. When L...

• Linda (played by Dinah Sheridan) — protagonist

  Robert Southley's secretary, whose loyalty to him leads her to begin questioning whether he was involved in the murder. After his first attempt on her life fails, he takes her to his country cottage t...

• Inspector MacDougall (played by John Laurie) — supporting

  An inspector and Robert Southley's friend. He visits Southley with Linda and invites him to accompany the investigation so he can see what police work involves. MacDougall continues investigating with...

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Inspector MacDougall → Linda (Alliance Protective Ally) — MacDougall becomes part of the effort to protect Linda from Robert's planned second attack.

  MacDougall and the other detective uncover more than Robert believes and work to obtain proof in time to save Linda.

• Robert Southley → Linda (Social Loyal Associate) — Linda's loyalty initially protects Robert from suspicion but later becomes strained by her doubts.

  Linda is described as blindly loyal to Robert and begins questioning whether he was involved in the killing.

• Robert Southley → Inspector MacDougall (Social Friend) — Their friendship gives Robert access to the investigation while also bringing scrutiny close to him.

  Inspector MacDougall is identified as Robert's friend and visits him with an invitation to accompany the investigation.

Story Analysis

A crime novelist tries to conceal murder and eliminate suspicion while an investigator and a threatened confidante close in on the truth.

Plot Progression

1. A Manufactured Return — Robert murders the blackmailer and returns behind a carefully constructed alibi. MacDougall's unexpected visit brings the police investigation into Robert's personal space.
2. Suspicion In The Manuscript — Robert begins a novel based on the murder, creating coincidences that attract Linda's attention. Her blind loyalty starts giving way to uncertainty about his involvement.
3. The Failed First Attack — Robert attempts to silence Linda, but the first attempt on her life fails. He then relocates her to the country cottage to reinforce his alibi.
4. The Alibi Collapses — At the cottage, Linda accidentally finds a clue that explodes Robert's explanation. Robert responds by planning a second alibi and another death.
5. Proof Before The Second Death — MacDougall uncovers more than Robert expects while Robert's second plan places Linda in immediate danger. The investigators race to obtain proof and save her.