Only Murders in the Building tells the story of three neighbors who are bought together when another resident of The Arconia dies unexpectedly. Mabel, Oliver and Charles start a true-crime podcast and investigate Tim Kono's death. The trio considers many different suspects and follows the trail of Tim Kono's life up until his demise.
While the main storyline is the murder investigation, Only Murders in the Building focuses heavily on the different characters, who they are and how they end up where they do. Not all characters are as they first appear, and as the series develops, first impressions are stripped back to uncover who the characters really are and their true motivations.
Aries: Tim Kono
When Tim dies, his personality and his motivations are a bit unknown. However, the more Mabel, Charles and Oliver investigate his death, the more fans learn about who he really is.
Arians are known for being determined, intelligent, honest and courageous. Tim demonstrates these traits when fans learn that he was building a case against the Dimases, knowing that Theo is responsible for Zoe's death. Tim shows an Aries' determination to clear Oscar's name, their intelligence in creating an elaborate scheme and shows Arian courage by nobly putting himself in danger in his fight for truth and justice.
Taurus: Charles-Haden Savage
In Steve Martin's return to acting, he plays a former TV star. Charles is a likable main character who unexpectedly finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation.
Taureans are generally calm and logical creatures of habit, who dislike change. Charles demonstrates his habitual Taurean nature throughout the series by constantly reminiscing about his glory days as the star of Bravos and, at the beginning of the series, by making an omelet every day because his step-daughter used to love the routine of eating them. Additionally, when Oliver doubts Mabel, Charles is the level-headed and calm voice of reason who suspects there is more to the story.
Gemini: Oliver Putnam
Oliver Putnam, an out-of-work Broadway director, is swept up by the excitement and thrill of making a podcast about the mysterious death of Tim Kono.
Gemini's characteristics include being sociable, charming and charismatic. Oliver demonstrates his knack with other people for the duration of the series: it becomes an ongoing joke that everyone (even the man who sells pretzels on the street) knows and loves Oliver. Fans see Oliver using his Gemini charm and charisma for the podcast when he convinces Teddy to sponsor Only Murders In The Building and by flattering Ursula into giving inside information (before Charles gets in the way).
Cancer: Oscar
Oscar, Mabel's former friend and current love interest, returns to The Arconia after spending years in jail for a crime he did not commit. Upon returning, he briefly becomes one of the trio's suspects (Tie-dye Guy) before they realize who he is.
Cancers are generally considered to be sensitive and warm people who seek comfort and predictability. Oscar demonstrates these qualities when he talks to Mabel about her struggles and shows kindness and understanding, even though he is in an emotionally turbulent situation himself, having only recently left jail. He also talks about wanting to experience the comforts and stability of everyday life, like seeing his friends and family and eating ice cream.
Leo: Howard Morris
Arconia resident, Howard is a key suspect in Tim Kono's murder because he loathed Tim for complaining about his cat, who suspiciously died on the same night as Tim.
Leos are renowned for their big and dramatic personalities, as well as their warmth and sensitivity. Howard demonstrates his loving and emotional nature when he talks about his deceased cat, who he clearly adored. He also shows his larger-than-life and dramatic personality by abruptly taking the spotlight off Tim and moving it onto his cat at an Arconia residents' meeting, truly believing that his cat's death is the more important issue.
Virgo: Dr. Grover Stanley
Dr. Grover Stanley is another resident of The Arconia. He has relatively little screen time, however, audiences still understand a lot about who this character really is.
Virgo traits include kindness, intelligence and a need to be useful and fix other people's problems. Dr. Grover Stanley demonstrates these traits through his occupation. As a psychologist, he actively seeks out those who need him and uses his intelligence and warmth to help them. For example, when Tim Kono (and Howard's cat) dies, he immediately tells the other residents his apartment number and welcomes them to come and talk about the traumatic events in the building.
Libra: Will
Will is Oliver's son, however, the series shows that the pair have a difficult and strenuous relationship. He also has a young family of his own and works as a veterinarian.
Libras are empathetic and responsible and want to be good people. When Oliver goes to Will to ask for money, Will demonstrates these qualities when he hears him out and kindly asks Oliver to stay for dinner. Although Will does not give Oliver the money, it is clear that Will has helped his father financially on previous occasions. Additionally, when Oliver's dog is poisoned, Will responsibly rushes over to The Arconian to treat him and saves his life.
Scorpio: Mabel Mora
Set to be one of Selena Gomez's best roles, according to IMDb, Selena portrays Mabel. Mabel is haunted by the events of her past: her friend Zoe's death, the incarceration of her friend Oscar and the knowledge that her friend Tim knew who really killed Zoe and never said anything.
Scorpios are renowned for being difficult to get to know, but very talented at understanding others and their motivations. Mabel demonstrates this when she hides her friendship with Tim from her new friends but all the while learning and understanding a lot about them. Her gift of understanding others also greatly helps the trio in considering and ruling out suspects.
Sagittarius: Jan
Bassoonist and Charles' love interest, Jan, has a big personality. Sagittarian personality traits include being aspirational and wanting to understand other people. As a first chair bassoonist in an orchestra, Jan demonstrates her ambitious and determined nature, as she has reached the top of her career.
Additionally, when she is on a first date with Charles, she makes it clear that she expects him to be open and honest with her because she wants to learn about him and understand who he really is.
Capricorn: Detective Williams
One of the most underrated characters in Only Murders In The Building, Detective Williams is assigned to the case investigating Tim's death. Although she is initially convinced Tim killed himself, it is not long before she considers foul play.
Capricorns are responsible, dutiful, extremely hard-working but sometimes emotionally closed off. Detective Williams shows these qualities throughout the series: she is committed to her work and understands the importance of her job, despite this interfering with her home life. Her work is incredibly emotionally demanding and so she represses her emotions in order to get things done. She is motivated to be a good detective.
Aquarius: Cinda Canning
True-crime podcast extraordinaire, Cinda Canning is highly ired by Mabel, Oliver and Charles, however, her character is very difficult to pin down.
Aquarians have some conflicting personality traits: they have vast imaginations but are very logical. They also tend to be quirky and alternative. Cinda demonstrates her highly rational disposition through her work - although some of her theories might initially seem quite "out there" or controversial, she works methodically to back them up with evidence. Cinda's quirky side becomes clear when she explains that she achieved a confession by turning up at someone's doorstep with a roast turkey.
Pisces: Teddy Dimas
Pisces are considered to be smart and creative social chameleons who adapt to whatever situation they're in. However, they can sometimes be inward-facing and preoccupied with what is going on in their own lives.
Teddy Dimas is one of the richest residents of The Arconia, however, it turns out that his criminal activity s for a large amount of his wealth. Like a true Pisces, Teddy is different depending on the situation: he is shown as a generous investor, a patient and kind parent, an aggressive parent and a criminal mastermind. His motivation is clearly to protect himself and his son, and he has an emotional awareness and sensitivity typical of a Pisces, it's just that he doesn't consider the effects of his actions on anyone outside his inner circle.