Was Ariadne Oliver Based on Agatha Christie Herself?
It is interesting to speculate how much of Agatha Christie is in Ariadne Oliver, specifically Agatha Christie the authoress that is their personal lives have little in common. But when, in Mrs McGintys Dead Ariadne says, Authors are shy, unsociable people, atoning for their lack of social aptitude by inventing their own companions and conversations, she is also speaking for Agatha. Because in her autobiography, Agatha Christie admits, I am not and never shall be a good conversationalistI cant say what I mean easily I can write it better. And elsewhere in the same book, Mrs Oliver complains bitterly,youve no idea of the agony of having your characters taken and made to say things that they never would have said, and do things that they never would have done. And if you protest, all they say is that its good theatre. That is surely a cry from Agathas heart as well (and is echoed by her legions of fans to this very day!) On one occasion, Ariadne Oliver tells how someone wrote to tell her
