Lamb to the Slaughter

by

Roald Dahl

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on Lamb to the Slaughter makes teaching easy.

Lamb to the Slaughter Characters

Mary Maloney

The story’s protagonist, Mary Maloney is the wife of Patrick Maloney, a detective. A happy and devoted housewife who is six months pregnant with her first child, Mary spends much of her time caring… read analysis of Mary Maloney

Patrick Maloney (the husband)

The husband of Mary Maloney, Patrick Maloney is a police detective who cares more about his work than his marriage. Despite Mary’s best attempts to make him comfortable and care for him, he does… read analysis of Patrick Maloney (the husband)

Jack Noonan

Jack Noonan is a sergeant and friend of the Maloneys. Jack is one of the first officers to arrive at the scene of the murder. Like the other officers on the case, he is sympathetic… read analysis of Jack Noonan

Sam

Sam is the grocer who unwittingly becomes Mary’s alibi. After the murder, Mary chats casually and briefly with Sam, giving the impression that she is buying vegetables for her husband’s dinner at Sam’s… read analysis of Sam
Minor Characters
O’Malley
O’Malley is a policeman who arrives with Sergeant Noonan at the scene of Patrick’s murder.