A Study in Scarlet

John Watson is the first-person narrator of the novel and a foil for Holmes. Everything about Watson is on the surface, whereas Holmes is mysterious, often reticent, and closed off. Where Holmes is arrogant and overconfident, Watson is self-deprecating. Moreover, unlike Holmes, who is self-absorbed and never considers those around him, Watson is a model of decorum (evident in his reluctance to ask Holmes what he does for a living at the beginning of the novel, despite his deep curiosity). Watson is typically in the dark about everything going on around him, but he is good at making observations, which makes him an ideal surrogate for the reader; as Holmes routinely explains the significance and meaning of the clues they see, readers learn alongside Watson how the crime’s solution comes together.

Watson’s complementary skills make him an ideal companion to Holmes. Watson may not have Holmes’s brain, but he is a capable military man—which is why he carries a revolver that comes in handy in dangerous situations—and is a doctor, which allows him to authenticate Hope’s heart problem. After returning from the Second Anglo-Afghan War, Watson is devoid of purpose until Holmes invites him to a crime scene, where Watson is so fascinated and impressed by Holmes that he decides to write up and publish the stories that make Holmes famous. In this way, Watson finds a calling, fills Holmes’s need to be admired and recognized, and provides the fame that brings in more clientele.

Jefferson Hope, the murderer of Drebber and Stangerson, has a tragic story—and sympathetic motivations. Hope is resourceful, adaptable, resilient, and driven. These characteristics are evident in the variety of jobs he had before meeting Lucy, and in his ability to pursue Drebber and Stangerson across the world despite significant financial disadvantage. As a young man, he is a beacon of positivity and represents optimism about the future—an idea captured in his name and the fact he is willing to throw himself in harm's way to rescue Lucy and her father.

However, once Lucy is forced to marry Drebber and dies of a broken heart, all of Hope’s positive attributes are distorted. His love and passion are replaced by a relentless thirst for vengeance. He doggedly pursues Drebber around the world, sustained only by his desire for justice only he can deliver. His heart, once full of love, is now malfunctioning because of an aortic aneurysm; once he has finally killed Drebber and Stangerson, his heart gives out.

Hope’s role in the novel is providing Holmes with a worthy adversary. Because Holmes has become so proficient at the art of deduction, most cases are too boring for him. Further, while Holmes claims the case is simple once solved, he admits it is the most interesting one he has ever tackled. By the end, Hope and Holmes develop mutual respect, as they recognize one another's abilities. Hope is the first person to outsmart Holmes, however briefly.