Father Brown
The mild-mannered priest of St Mary's Church in the sleepy village of Kembleford in the Cotswolds. He’s also a keen amateur sleuth, and often gets on the nerves of the local police. He uses his investigative skills to try and save the souls of the murderers and criminals he encounters. He appears in all episodes.
- Amateur Sleuth
- Berserk Button: One of his pet peeves is those who use God, or their faith, to justify crimes.
- Beware the Quiet Ones: He very rarely loses his temper, but when he does, it’s enough to startle even Inspector Mallory.
- No Full Name Given: In the series, his first name is never given. In the original stories he was only referred to by first name twice, and it was different each time. If you're curious: his first initial is once given as J but he's also called "Paul" in The Sign of the Broken Sword.
- Omniglot: He’s fluent in Italian, like any good catholic priest, and is well versed in German as well.
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Values Resonance: He’s depicted as being more progressive, and open minded than many of his peers, and is frequently shown to battle and attempt to reform the prejudices of others.
Mrs. Bridgette McCarthy
The Father’s loyal Irish parish secretary. A proud Catholic, she can be quite rigid in her beliefs, and adores gossip, although she will always deny it. She appears from Series 1 to 9.
- Holier Than Thou: She tends to be more strict than the Father, in regards to adherence to Catholic beliefs.
- Innocent Bigot: Some episodes see her displaying particular prejudices, although this is less due to any sort of intentional cruelty, and more due to ignorance and her overly religious nature.
Lady Felicia Montague
A glamorous socialite, eager for entertainment and distraction from the boredom and loneliness of her personal life. She is Vitriolic Best Buds with Mrs. McCarthy. She appears from Series 1 to 5, making regular guest appearances thereafter.
Sidney “Sid” Carter
Lady Felicia’s chauffeur, Father Brown’s church handyman and an occasional small-time crook. His dodgy skills are often useful for the Father’s sleuthing, particularly his expert lock-picking skills. He is a regular from Series 1 to 4, and Series 9, and a guest star in Series 5, 6, and 8.
Penelope “Bunty” Windermere
Lady Felicia’s vivacious and adventurous niece. She appears from Series 5 to 9.
Zuzanna "Susie" Jasinski
A Polish refugee who acts as Father Brown’s part-time housekeeper. She gets personally involved in several of the cases, including “The Hammer of God”, “The Man in the Tree” and “The Eye of Apollo”. She appears only in Series 1.
Hercule Flambeau
A French master thief who’s exploits often pit him against, and sometimes, alongside Father Brown, who tirelessly attempts to reform him. He appears at least once per series.
- Adaptational Villainy: Unlike the stories where he had a Heel–Face Turn after his third encounter with Father Brown and became a close ally, he's much more unrepentant.
- Arch-Enemy: Flambeau starts off as this to Father Brown, although their relationship quickly becomes much less hostile.
- Rivals Team Up: Frequently.
- Worthy Opponent: Flambeau regards the Father as this.
Brenda Palmer
A young wayward who Father Brown takes in as his housekeeper. She first appears as a guest star in Series 9, and as a regular from Series 10 onwards.
Mrs. Isabela Devine
Mrs. McCarthy’s replacement as parish secretary. She appears from Series 10 onwards.
Inspector Valentine
The head of the Kembleford police. He is stern and stubborn, but also reasonable and open-minded when it counts. He has a love-hate relationship with Father Brown; frequently irritated by his interference, yet grudgingly respectful of his deductive skills. He appears in the entirety of Series 1, the first episode of Series 2, and the finale of Series 8.
- Adaptational Heroism: Unlike Inspector Valentin in the original stories, Inspector Valentine doesn't commit murder.
- Adaptational Nationality: The French detective Valentin becomes the English detective Valentine.
- Inspector Lestrade: Plays this role to Father Brown.
- Put on a Bus: In the first episode of Season 2, the resolution of the episode's case results in him being promoted and transferred to London, with Sullivan taking over.
- Spared by the Adaptation: Valentin committed suicide in his second appearance while Valentine survives the series.
Sergeant Albright
A policeman who assists Inspectors Valentine and Sullivan. He appears in Series 1 and 2.
- Flat Character: He has very little screen time, and next to no characterization.
Chief Inspector Edgar Sullivan
Valentine’s replacement, and equally disapproving of Father Brown's interference. He is stoic, and somewhat set in his ways, but is nevertheless a competent detective. As of Series 10 he is a Chief Inspector. He appears as a regular from Series 2 to 3, and from Series 10 onwards. He made guest appearances in Series 7 and 8.
- Teeth-Clenched Teamwork: He is very reluctant to work with Father Brown, and isn't afraid to show it.
Inspector Gerald “Jerry” Mallory
Pompous, bumbling and irritable, he has even less patience for Father Brown's sleuthing than his predecessors. He appears from Series 4 to 9.
- Noble Bigot with a Badge: He’s shown to be implicitly racist and explicitly homophobic. Nevertheless, when the chips are down, and his gruff exterior is exposed, he does have moments of true nobility.
- Police Are Useless: He is shown to be less than thorough in his job.
Sergeant Daniel Goodfellow
A friendly, affable copper, who is much more willing to help the Father and co. than his superiors are. He appears from Series 2 onwards.
- Hidden Depths: His is knowledgable about horticulture and ballroom dancing, and is a member of the Kembleford choir.
