List of Sherlock characters

For characters from the novels, see Category:Sherlock Holmes characters.

The following is a list and description of the characters of Sherlock, a British television series that started airing on BBC One in July 2010. The series is a modern adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and was created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss.

Main characters

Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) is described by himself as "a consulting detective, the only one in the world", consulted by Scotland Yard when they are out of their depth with cases (usually homicides). He appears as a tall, thin man with dark, curly hair. Like the original character, Sherlock is able to deduce or abduce information from the smallest details. Sherlock is often insensitive of how this affects the officers and usually ridicules their incompetence; however, he is frequently mocked by them for being eccentric, especially by forensics member Anderson and Sergeant Sally Donovan.

Sherlock seems to care more about the crimes than the victims involved, like the Holmes of the original canon. He is not very sociable, but he refers to Dr Watson as his "intimate friend and associate". Sherlock is rude and inconsiderate towards others and to an extent, including his flatmate and colleague John (often leaving him behind and asking him to do menial, domestic tasks such as shopping). However, Sherlock is shown to care deeply for John as the series progresses, showing uncharacteristic emotion when his friend's life is in jeopardy or when John comes to his aid.

Sherlock also has considerable fighting ability, fighting off a man armed with a sword using his bare hands in "The Blind Banker". In "A Scandal in Belgravia", he disarms and incapacitates a trained CIA operative on two separate occasions.

He considers only three people as his friends: John Watson, Mrs Hudson, and DI Greg Lestrade. The only other person he seems to trust fully is Molly Hooper, as seen in "The Reichenbach Fall".

Romantically, Sherlock appears largely asexual, self-described as "married to his work"; he is oblivious or disdainful of 'love'. Sherlock ignores, and is largely unaware at the outset of the series of, the romantic interest that forensic pathologist Molly Hooper has in him, but sometimes uses this to his advantage if it assists him in a crime investigation. In series 2, after the introduction of Irene Adler, Sherlock appears to have some interest in Irene and comes to her rescue at the end of the episode. She frequently flirts with and texts Sherlock in A Scandal in Belgravia, but he seldom responds.

He knows London's streets and alleys extremely well. He has strange connections, including a graffiti artist, as well as the entire network of the homeless (whom he uses as his "eyes and ears").

Sherlock is a smoker who finds the habit impractical in present-day urban London and therefore mostly makes do with nicotine patches. He may apply as many as three patches on himself at the same time when it is a "three patch problem"; he implies that the nicotine helps him to think. For the same professed reason, he plays the violin and even composes music from time to time. It is also implied that he has a history of illegal drug use. Sherlock has violent mood swings during periods of extreme ennui when there are no cases that interest him. He is once seen curled up on the sofa and firing a gun at the wall in his flat. In "A Study in Pink", he claims to be a "high-functioning sociopath".

Trying to avoid getting his face taken in pictures, Sherlock disguised it with a deerstalker. Unfortunately, this becomes his trademark, much to his annoyance as he greatly dislikes the hat (even being given one by New Scotland Yard as a gift).

Dr John Watson

John Hamish Watson (Martin Freeman) is Sherlock's flatmate and colleague. He is often a foil to Sherlock in both appearance and personality. Unlike Sherlock, John is short with blond hair. He is kind, caring, and 'human' compared to Sherlock's cold, calculating ways. He gets on better with the police and takes care of practical matters at their flat, apparently doing most of the shopping. He also gets a locum job at nearby general practice to help pay the bills, and starts dating Sarah, another doctor he meets working there.

At the start of the series, John was recently invalided home from Afghanistan after serving as an "army doctor" (it is unclear whether John served separately as a doctor then a soldier, or as a medic, although in his first scenes he is shown with a mug with the cap badge of the Royal Army Medical Corps). Prior to his military service, John read medicine at King's College, London as seen on his CV. He is in possession of a pistol, described as a "British Browning L9A1" in the show, but is actually a Sig Sauer P226. John is highly proficient with the weapon, described as a "crack shot" by Sherlock.

Before meeting Sherlock, and after returning to London from Afghanistan, John had several medical issues: a psychosomatic limp in his right leg, and bullet wound in his left shoulder (a reference to the canon), using a cane on his right side. As well, his left hand had an "intermittent tremor". His therapist noted John had "trust issues" and diagnosed him with PTSD, the latter of which Mycroft (Sherlock's brother) later subverted, saying John is not "haunted by the war" but rather misses it for the excitement. Following a chase around London with Sherlock, John's limp disappears (and so, presumably, does the tremor). This only proves the Holmes brothers correct, and John's therapist wrong.

John is also shown to be loyal and courageous, with a strong sense of personal integrity. His "strong moral principles" are likely a result of his medical training and army service. He refuses Mycroft's offer to pay him to spy on Sherlock, despite only having just met Sherlock at this time (and not knowing that Mycroft was his brother). He is willing to occasionally use deadly force, but he is only ever seen to do so when someone else's life is in immediate danger. He shows no visible signs of regretting his actions afterwards.

In the second series, John is referred to as Sherlock's P.A. and is not shown working any other job. John writes about Sherlock's cases on his blog, which attracts clients to them. He also gives the cases names he deems appropriate. Much to John's constant annoyance, he is often mistaken for a gay man because of the time he spends around Sherlock. He is alluded to have had a number of short-lived relationships with women - one of whom is shown ending their relationship due to John's commitment to Sherlock, saying, that "[Sherlock] is a very lucky man." When Mrs Hudson learns of his engagement, her first question is "So, who is he?"

The only member of John's family that has been alluded to thus far is his sister, Harriet (aka Harry), with whom he has strained relationship as a result of her alcoholism and recent separation from her partner, Clara. During their first case together, Sherlock deduced that John had refused to accept help from Harry after being invalided out of the army, even though the fact that she gave John her old phone was an indication that she wanted to stay in touch with her brother.

Watson's middle name being Hamish was originally proposed by Dorothy L. Sayers to explain discrepancies in Watson's name in the canonical works of Conan Doyle.

Metropolitan Police

DI Greg Lestrade

Detective Inspector Greg Lestrade (Rupert Graves) works for Scotland Yard and directly with Sherlock. He has a reluctant respect for Sherlock and often defends him from the other police officers' animosity. He is often frustrated by Sherlock's cryptic deductions and withholding of evidence, but believes that he is a great man (hoping that one day, he can overcome his poorer qualities, and become a "good" man). Proven in "The Hounds of Baskerville", Sherlock had absolutely no idea what Lestrade's first name was; he gave a sarcastic quip in response to Sherlock's surprise. In "The Reichenbach Fall", Lestrade agrees to bring Sherlock in for questioning and it becomes apparent that Lestrade's superiors were not aware of Sherlock's involvement in cases. Unlike Donovan and Anderson, Lestrade had complete faith that Sherlock was innocent of any wrongdoing, proving just how much he trusted him.

In "A Study in Pink", he mentions that he is in an on-again-off-again relationship with his ex-wife. In "A Scandal in Belgravia", Lestrade says he and his wife have settled their problems, but Sherlock flatly informs him that she is (as of Christmas that year) sleeping with a P.E. teacher.

Although Lestrade is ranked as 'DI', i.e. 'Detective Inspector', he is referred to in scenes as just 'Inspector', possibly as Lestrade in the original novels was ranked as Inspector (the rank of 'DI' not having been created at that time.)

Sergeant Sally Donovan

Sergeant Donovan (Vinette Robinson) is DI Lestrade's sergeant and is usually seen with him on cases. Donovan resents Sherlock's presence at crime scenes, calling him a "freak" and warning Watson that Sherlock's a psychopath who will one day get bored of catching killers and become one himself.

In "A Study in Pink", she's involved in an affair with Anderson and in The Reichenbach Fall she is the first police officer to fall for Moriarty's deception and believe that Sherlock may be behind the recent theft and kidnapping.

In the un-aired pilot, Donovan is constable and played by Zawe Ashton.

Philip Anderson

Philip Anderson (Jonathan Aris) is a member of the Metropolitan Police's Forensic Services. From the series opening, it is clear that Anderson and Sherlock have history of mutual dislike with Sherlock repeatedly antagonising Anderson throughout the series and Anderson refusing to assist him at crime scenes.

In "A Study in Pink", Sherlock reveals, to both their embarrassment, Anderson and Sgt. Donovan's affair. In "The Reichenbach Fall", Anderson is the second person at The Yard to be deceived by Moriarty into thinking Sherlock may be involved in the recent theft and kidnapping.

Anderson's first name had yet to officially be revealed until the opening of series 3. In a joke tweet, series co-creator Mark Gatiss stated that his first name was Sylvia. The Sherlockology website, which has unofficial ties with the series, lists it as Phillip.

He appears in the mini-episode "Many Happy Returns" where it is revealed that he has lost his job with the police and is trying to convince Lestrade that Sherlock is not only alive but also is still solving mysteries across the globe.

In the opening episode of series 3, "The Empty Hearse" Sherlock refers to him as Philip, officially confirming his first name.

Villains

James 'Jim' Moriarty

James 'Jim' Moriarty (Andrew Scott) is the only "consulting criminal" in the world, a counterpoint to Sherlock's similarly unrivalled "consulting detective". He is also responsible for the criminals and crimes in all three episodes of the first series, acting as a sponsor, an informant, or a mastermind. He is shown to have an interest in Sherlock that borders on obsession, though he does not hesitate trying to kill him when he loses interest. He is a highly capable, entirely psychopathic, and extremely powerful criminal. Moriarty's primary motivation appears however to be the avoidance of boredom rather than a thirst for money or power, which is actually a very common 'problem' for psychopaths.

He is also an excellent actor, frequently shown to have convinced others that he is someone else - indeed his first appearance occurs as a gay man who Molly is dating, and Sherlock does not realise his identity at the time. In "The Great Game", Moriarty forces Sherlock to solve mysteries within a time limit, taking hostages to ensure that Sherlock is sufficiently motivated.

In the second series, he continues in his role as consulting criminal, giving Irene Adler advice on how to manipulate the "The Holmes Boys", having given them both nicknames. It is mentioned that he asked for nothing in return, becoming involved just to cause trouble, suggesting his obsessions are deepening. It is also alluded to that he might have an independent rivalry with Mycroft. He is seen briefly at the end of "The Hounds of Baskerville" apparently having been captured and in the process of being released by Mycroft.

Moriarty features extensively in "The Reichenbach Fall", simultaneously breaking into the Tower of London, HMP Pentonville and the Bank of England, being tried but acquitted after intimidating the jury, and then setting about to destroy Sherlock's reputation and ultimately force him into suicide. When Sherlock realizes there is a way out as long as Moriarty is alive, Moriarty shoots himself in the head in order to force Sherlock into committing suicide.

Charles Augustus Magnussen

A new antagonist for the third series, to be played by Danish actor Lars Mikkelsen and based on the original character of Charles Augustus Milverton, the titular character of one of the short stories. He will be featured in "His Last Vow", the third and final episode of the third series, written by Steven Moffat.

Other characters

Mrs Hudson

Mrs Hudson (Una Stubbs) is the landlady of 221B Baker Street. Sherlock won his way into her good graces after ensuring that her husband was executed for an unknown crime in Florida; given this, it may have been a domestic dispute (during a vacation to the America) that left Mrs. Hudson injured badly. Despite repeated declarations that she is not their housekeeper, she fusses over Sherlock and he takes it for granted that she will provide dinner for him. She is often horrified to see Sherlock keep human body parts in his kitchen appliances (refrigerator, microwave) for experimentation. Though Sherlock has been shown to make Mycroft apologise to her for saying to shut up, he will do so himself when stressed. When she met John, Mrs. Hudson thought he was Sherlock's romantic partner, until being told she was wrong. Sherlock has a great deal of concern for her. In "A Scandal in Belgravia", Sherlock pushed an American who beat her out of a second-story window to "restore balance to the universe"; apparently, this was done so many times that "[Sherlock] lost count."

Mycroft Holmes

Mycroft Holmes (played by executive producer, co-creator, and writer Mark Gatiss) is first introduced when he kidnaps John and offers to pay him to spy on Sherlock out of brotherly concern. He is Sherlock's older brother and engages in sibling rivalry with Sherlock. Mycroft is frequently mocked by Sherlock for "putting on weight". He occupies a "minor position in the British government"; however, as with many Holmes-based works, it is heavily hinted that he has a much bigger role than he claims. He is driven around in a private car with his personal assistant who goes by the name of "Anthea". Mycroft, like his literary counterpart, is also very skilled at deduction, even correcting Sherlock on occasion, as well as lacking enthusiasm for "legwork". Sherlock claims Mycroft's childhood in a nutshell was summed up when he said "I'll be mother". Mycroft apparently doesn't mind bending minor rules, since he gave Sherlock a cigarette in "A Scandal in Belgravia", saying "We're in a morgue, there's only so much damage you can do." In Mycroft's opinion, Sherlock has "the mind of philosopher or scientist, yet he elects to be a detective". However, he considers this an improvement, since as a child, Sherlock initially wanted to be a pirate.

Molly Hooper

Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey) is a 31-year-old pathology lab assistant working in the morgue at St Bartholomew's Hospital with an apparent crush on Sherlock. Due to her work position and crush on him, Sherlock frequently exploits her to let him examine victims' bodies. She was in a relationship with an IT employee named Jim, who was later revealed to be Moriarty. Molly maintains a blog and has a cat named Toby. Sherlock later finds out how deeply infatuated she is with him during "A Scandal in Belgravia", when she gives him a present for Christmas that was much better wrapped than the others; she received a kiss and apology in return. She seemed to lose interest in Sherlock romantically after finding out he might be interested in someone else; however, she still remains a faithful friend. In "The Reichenbach Fall", Sherlock turns to her to help him fake his death.

Molly was originally intended to be a one-off character to introduce Sherlock, but Brealey impressed Moffat and Gatiss and they "couldn't resist bringing her back".

Sarah Sawyer

Sarah Sawyer (Zoe Telford) is John's supervisor at the surgery where he works. Sarah and John were engaged in a romantic relationship. She is a very competent doctor, taking over for John when he falls asleep in his office. She is able to fight in self-defence during a fight with a mob of Chinese gangsters. In "The Great Game", John seemed close to sharing her bed with her the next time he stayed the night at her place. John and Sarah break up after their trip to New Zealand, as written in John's blog.

Irene Adler

Irene Adler (Lara Pulver) is featured in "A Scandal in Belgravia" as a dominatrix, more commonly referred to as "The Woman", who provides "recreational scolding" for anyone willing to pay for it. She takes pictures of her clients during her job as "protection" to make sure her clients don't do anything unfavorable to her. Irene is just as brilliant as Sherlock, being able to outwit him; however, she also ends up falling in love with him, which proves to be her downfall. She sends Sherlock a series of flirtatious texts, repeatedly requesting to "have dinner" with him. Having taken a picture of the information for "Bond Air", she was targeted by Americans, who were working with the British government to trick terrorists into thinking that their bomb would blow up a plane and take the lives of hundreds. She was also sought out by Mycroft for incriminating photos of herself and one of her clients. She contacted Moriarty about the Bond Air plan, being given advice on how to use it to her advantage. She successfully duped Sherlock into revealing what Bond Air was about, texting the answer to Moriarty, who informed the terrorists.

Facing off with both the "Holmes Boys", the Ice Man (Mycroft) and the Virgin (Sherlock), Irene attempted to get a list of demands fulfilled; however, Sherlock figured out the password to her phone - "I am SHER Locked". With her protection gone, Irene was left to the mercy of any who were after her. Though it was reported she was beheaded some time later, Sherlock had actually helped her fake her death.

Sebastian Wilkes

Sebastian Wilkes (Bertie Carvel) is an old acquaintance from university who hires Sherlock to solve his bank's security problem when the bank is broken into. Like most of anyone else who knows Sherlock, he was annoyed by Sherlock's deductive skills. He says that Sherlock could tell if anyone had been shagging the previous night when they came down for breakfast.

Kitty Riley

Kitty Riley (Katherine Parkinson) is the up-and-coming journalist who wrote the piece on Sherlock being a fake. She was tricked into a relationship with Jim Moriarty, disguised as Richard Brook, who gave her all the information she needed on Sherlock to write said article.

External links

• Full cast and crew of Sherlock at IMDb