Sherlock Lore | Holmes Dramaturgy

Resource: Arthur conan doyle encyclopedia

Characters

Sherlock Holmes

First appears in A Study in Scarlet. Described by Doyle as a “consulting detective”. Famous portrayals include William Gilette, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Robert Downey Jr.

Cases

Case of the Creeping Man

Doyle Story: “The Adventure of the Creeping Man”

Summary: Sherlock Holmes investigates the strange behavior of Professor Presbury, who has been exhibiting increasingly erratic and animalistic tendencies. Holmes discovers that Presbury has been taking an experimental rejuvenation serum derived from a langur (a type of monkey), leading to his bizarre conduct. The case reveals the dangers of tampering with nature.

Sussex Vampire

Doyle Story: “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire”

Summary: Holmes is called upon to investigate the case of a woman accused of vampirism after she is found biting her child. Through careful examination and deduction, Holmes uncovers that the woman's actions were an attempt to protect her child from a jealous half-brother who had been poisoning the boy. The case highlights Holmes's ability to see beyond supernatural explanations to find the logical truth.

Case of the Dancing Men

Doyle story: “The Adventure of the Dancing Men”

Summary: Holmes is consulted about a series of mysterious drawings of dancing figures that have terrified his client’s wife. Holmes deciphers the code within the drawings, revealing a criminal plot involving a dangerous gang. The case culminates in a deadly confrontation, showcasing Holmes's skill in cryptography and his ability to connect seemingly unrelated clues.

Consumption of Lady Carfax’s Corpse

Doyle story: “The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax:

Summary: Lady Frances Carfax, an independent and wealthy woman, has gone missing in Europe. Holmes sends Watson to investigate, and they uncover a sinister plot involving a pair of religious fanatics who plan to rob and murder her. Holmes's timely intervention saves Lady Frances, demonstrating his ability to solve complex cases with international implications.

The Adventure of the New Goose

Doyle story: No close counterpart; there is a goose in “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle”

Summary: A precious gemstone, the blue carbuncle, is found inside a Christmas goose. Holmes traces the goose back to a theft involving a hotel attendant, James Ryder, who had hidden the gem in the goose to smuggle it out. The case highlights Holmes's blend of deductive reasoning and compassion, as he allows the repentant thief to go free, believing in giving him a second chance.

Case of the Speckled Band

Doyle story: “The Adventure of the Speckled Band”

Summary: Holmes is approached by a woman fearing for her life after her sister dies under mysterious circumstances, uttering the words "the speckled band" as she passed away. Holmes's investigation leads him to discover a deadly swamp adder, which had been used by the woman's stepfather in a plot to murder her and her sister. The case is one of Holmes's most famous, highlighting his acute observational skills and logical reasoning.

Hound of the Baskervilles

Doyle Story: The Hound of the Baskervilles (novel)

Summary: In this novel, Holmes and Watson investigate the legend of a ghostly hound that haunts the Baskerville family. Sent to protect the new heir, Sir Henry Baskerville, they uncover a plot by a distant relative to use the legend to frighten and kill Sir Henry. The story is a mix of gothic horror and detective fiction, set against the eerie backdrop of the Devonshire moors.

Case of the Devil’s Foot

Doyle story: “The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot”

Summary: While on a holiday in Cornwall, Holmes and Watson are asked to look into the mysterious death of a woman who was found with a look of terror on her face, while her brothers are discovered in a state of insanity. Holmes deduces that they were all exposed to a toxic African root called "Devil's Foot" powder, used by a vengeful relative. The case showcases Holmes's deductive prowess and his willingness to take personal risks to solve a mystery.

Female Sherlock and Watson

Eurus Holmes

Source: Sherlock (TV Series)

Eurus is the youngest of the Holmes siblings and described as the smartest. After killing one of Sherlock's friends (spoiler, sorry), she is sent to a maximum-security psychiatric prison.

Further study...

Fun Fact: In A Study in Scarlet, Doyle reveals that Sherlock does not know that the earth revolves around the sun! In many adaptations, Sherlock seems to have a vast knowledge of things he cares about, but has little knowledge of what he considers to be unimportant things.

Sherlock and Addiction: Cocaine, tobacco, and narcotics are mentioned in Doyle's stories, but the word "addict" is not. Cocaine and tobacco use were fairly common in the middle and upper classes in Victorian England, and Sherlock probably wouldn't have been considered an "addict." Many modern adaptations portray Sherlock's drug use as an addiction, and there's some debate about whether this is "canonically" accurate. Click here and here to learn more.

Sherlock and Technology: How does Sherlock Holmes fit into a world where knowledge that Arthur Conan Doyle couldn't comprehend is right at our fingertips? The Smithsonian Magazine has an interesting article analyzing the use of technology in BBC's Sherlock. Click the image to read more!