Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes

6701
    Sherlock
Photo Credit: Everett Collection

Character Analysis

(Avoiding Spoilers)

Grew Up… the younger of two brothers. His father was fairly ordinary and his mother a mathematical genius, though she gave up her post to become a stay-at-home mom. Mycroft, Sherlock’s brother, was belittling and mean, often reminding Sherlock that he wasn’t “the smart one.” Sherlock first displayed interest and aptitude for criminal investigation while still a schoolboy, suspecting foul play in the death of a fellow student, Carl Powers. But young Sherlock was unable to convince the police to open a case, perfectly characterizing his relationship with the authorities years later.

Living… in London at 221B Baker Street. He lives with his best friend and detective partner, Dr. John Watson. His landlady, Mrs. Hudson, offers the flat at a discounted rate due to Sherlock’s help in a case against her previous husband, which ended in a conviction of double-homicide and a death sentence for Mr. Hudson. Mrs. Hudson often cleans and cooks for Sherlock, despite her protestations that she is “not his housekeeper.”

Profession… the world’s only consulting detective, a profession he invented. He is often consulted by Detective Inspector Greg Lestrade of New Scotland Yard and brings Dr. Watson along on cases, seemingly as much for the company as for his medical expertise. Sherlock is very good at his craft, and possibly a genius of deduction, making himself indispensable to the London police despite his quirks and idiosyncrasies.

Interests… cigarettes. In the past, he also dabbled with illegal drugs, such as cocaine.

Relationship Status… married to his work. He is a seemingly permanent bachelor and doesn’t seem to have the temperament to get along with anyone – let alone live with them.

Challenge… avoiding boredom. One gets the sense that Sherlock would perish without the convoluted crimes he lives to solve. His hands are not the kind to be left idle, a fact that Sherlock realizes and attempts to remedy through his detective work. Though sometimes a bit slow, DI Lestrade makes quite an insight about Sherlock’s deeper challenge: “Sherlock Holmes is a great man. And one day, if we’re very, very lucky, he might even be a good one.”

Personality… logical and highly perceptive, but possessing very few social graces. It might be that Sherlock thinks more like a criminal than a typical detective. He insults anyone who he views as possessing inferior deductive skills, which is everyone. He once tells Lestrade to shut up, and when Lestrade protests that he hasn’t said anything, Sherlock replies, “You were thinking. It’s annoying.”

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