Spoiler warning: this post explains the full ending of The Witness for the Prosecution. If you have not finished the book, stop here and come back later.
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Quick answer: Leonard Vole is acquitted of murdering Emily French after his wife Romaine discredits her own testimony. Romaine then reveals to the lawyer that she faked the evidence to free Leonard, whom she knew was guilty; in the play version, Leonard leaves her for another woman and Romaine stabs him.
Quick facts
– Book: The Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie
– First published: 1925
– Type: A short story and play
– Tone of the ending: Shocking
Table of Contents
What Leads Up to the Ending
Leonard Vole is accused of murdering Emily French, a wealthy older woman who left him her money. His only alibi depends on his wife, Romaine, but she testifies against him. The lawyer, Mr. Mayherne, receives letters that seem to show Romaine lied.
What Happens at the End of The Witness for the Prosecution
The letters prove Romaine lied, and Leonard is acquitted. Mayherne then meets Romaine, who reveals that she wrote the letters herself and set up the case so that the jury would distrust her testimony. She did it to save Leonard, who was guilty. In Christie's play, a final twist follows: Leonard leaves Romaine for a younger woman, and Romaine kills him in the courtroom.
The Ending in 4 Quick Points
- Romaine's testimony was part of a plan.
- Leonard was guilty all along.
- The lawyer was fooled.
- The play adds a final act of revenge.
What Happens to the Main Characters
| Character | What happens to them |
|---|---|
| Leonard Vole | Acquitted, then killed in the play |
| Romaine | Saves Leonard and later takes revenge |
| Mr. Mayherne | Deceived by Romaine |
| Emily French | The murder victim |
What the Ending Means
The ending shows how justice can be manipulated. Christie surprises readers by revealing that the lawyer and jury were played.
Other Ways to Read the Ending
Some readers prefer the short story's simpler twist, while others love the play's extra turn.
Themes the Ending Brings Together
Deception. Romaine's lies drive the plot.
Justice. The legal system is shown as fallible.
Love. Romaine's love becomes dangerous.
Is the Ending Happy or Sad?
Most readers describe the ending of The Witness for the Prosecution as shocking. How you feel about it usually depends on what you hoped for the characters and what you expected Agatha Christie to do with the story, so it is worth asking friends how they felt before you compare notes.
Who Will Like This Ending
Readers who enjoy endings that are shocking will find a lot to talk about here. If you prefer every thread tied up neatly, it helps to know in advance how Agatha Christie closes the story, which is exactly why many readers look it up. Either way, the final chapters reward a second look once you know where everything is heading, because small details from the middle of the book start to matter. If you are reading with a group, agree beforehand whether everyone has finished, so nobody has the last chapters spoiled.
Book Versus Adaptation
The 1957 film follows the play's ending, while the 2016 BBC version changes the final scenes.
Discussion Questions About the Ending
If you are reading The Witness for the Prosecution with a book club or a friend, these questions work well once everyone has finished:
- Did the ending surprise you, or had you seen it coming from the first chapters?
- What does the final scene say about deception, and do you agree with Agatha Christie's view?
- Which character made the most important choice in the last part of the book, and was it the right one?
- How would the story feel if it had ended one chapter earlier or one chapter later?
- Does the ending leave you hopeful about the characters, or do you worry about what comes next?
- Would you describe the ending as shocking, or would you choose a different word?
How to Read the Final Chapters Again
- Compare the opening with the close. Look at how the first chapter introduces deception and how the ending answers it.
- Track each final choice. The table above shows where every main character ends up, so ask which of those outcomes was earned.
- Notice what Agatha Christie leaves unsaid. Gaps in the last pages are often deliberate, and they are where most of the debate about the ending begins.
- Listen for echoes. Images, phrases or settings from earlier in The Witness for the Prosecution often return in the final scene with a new meaning.
Questions to Ask Yourself After Finishing
- Was the ending of The Witness for the Prosecution earned by what came before it, or did it feel sudden?
- Which character's final moment affected you most, and why?
- If you could change one thing about the last chapters, what would it be?
- Did the ending change how you think about the opening pages?
Check price of The Witness for the Prosecution on Amazon
Books to Read After The Witness for the Prosecution
- And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
Related: The Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie: Summary and Key Takeaways · And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of The Witness for the Prosecution?
Leonard Vole is acquitted of murdering Emily French after his wife Romaine discredits her own testimony. Romaine then reveals to the lawyer that she faked the evidence to free Leonard, whom she knew was guilty; in the play version, Leonard leaves her for another woman and Romaine stabs him.
Is the ending of The Witness for the Prosecution happy or sad?
Most readers call it shocking.
What does the ending of The Witness for the Prosecution mean?
The ending shows how justice can be manipulated.
Is the ending of The Witness for the Prosecution the same in the adaptation?
The 1957 film follows the play's ending, while the 2016 BBC version changes the final scenes.
Who wrote The Witness for the Prosecution and when was it published?
The Witness for the Prosecution was written by Agatha Christie and first published in 1925.
Is The Witness for the Prosecution worth reading if I already know the ending?
Yes, especially if you enjoy short story and plays. Knowing the ending can make a first read richer, because you notice how Agatha Christie prepares for it from the opening chapters.
Should I read The Witness for the Prosecution before reading the ending explained?
Yes, if you plan to read it, because this post gives away the whole ending.