The Sign of the Four: Characters (AQA GCSE English Literature): Revision Note

Characters

It is vital that you understand that characters are often used symbolically to express ideas. Conan Doyle uses all of his characters to symbolise various ideas prevalent in his society, and the differences between characters reflect contemporary debates. Therefore, it is very useful not only to learn about each character individually, but how they compare and contrast to other characters in the novel. 

It is important to consider the range of strategies used by Conan Doyle to create and develop characters within The Sign of the Four. This includes: 

• how characters are established 

• how characters are presented:  

  • physical appearance or suggestions about this 

  • actions and motives for them

  • what they say and think

  • how they interact with others

  • what others say and think about them 

• how far the characters conform to or subvert stereotypes 

• their relationships between other characters

Below you will find character profiles of:

• Sherlock Holmes

• Dr John Watson

• Mary Morstan

• Thaddeus Sholto

• Jonathan Small

• Athelney Jones

Sherlock Holmes

• Sherlock is the protagonist of the novel and Conan Doyle depicts him as a character with a brilliant mind and exceptional intellectual abilities:

  • He possesses remarkable observational abilities and has a capacity to make exacting judgments

• He is presented as both analytical and assertive:

  • His dedication to rationality is evident in his reliance on facts and evidence rather than speculation or intuition

• Additionally, Holmes' extensive understanding and aptitude for adopting different identities makes him a complex and captivating character

• Holmes is an intricate personality who possesses distinctive peculiarities and eccentricities:

  • His peculiar nature means he could be viewed as appearing somewhat superior or arrogant

• He often adopts a detached and analytical approach to his profession and is relatively devoid of emotion:

  • Hence, he is generally presented as being indifferent and aloof

• However, his detached demeanour is also contrasted by occasional displays of empathy and concern for others, which reveal his more humane side

• Holmes’ loyalty to Watson is a consistent theme throughout the narrative

• He frequently acknowledges Watson’s contributions and demonstrates his appreciation of their friendship

• Conan Doyle portrays Holmes as someone who is capable of reassessing his position:

  • He is not always correct in his assumptions which makes him more relatable as a character

• His dedication to his profession is evident as he immerses himself in the pursuit of truth, often at the expense of his own well-being

• Holmes' dependence on substances like tobacco and cocaine are his vices:

  • This facet of his personality adds an intricacy and fragility, which reveals a hidden depth beneath his outward brilliance

• Therefore, to some extent, Holmes could be viewed as a vulnerable, even sympathetic, character 

Dr John Watson

• Watson is first presented as “an army surgeon with a weak leg and a weaker banking account”

• He is Holmes’ dependable and faithful companion and his unwavering loyalty to him is evident throughout the novel:

  • This is highlighted by his willingness to put himself in danger and his belief in Holmes’ abilities

• This loyalty adds depth to their partnership and highlights one of the novel’s major themes of friendship

• Watson serves as the narrator of the novel, providing the reader with a relatable perspective through which the narrative unfolds

• He is characterised as an honest and rational observer, offering a balanced perspective to the narrative

• Although Watson doesn't possess the remarkable deductive abilities of Holmes, his contribution to the cases illustrates his own cleverness and ingenuity

• He is portrayed as a competent and capable individual and he provides insightful observations, assisting Holmes in analysing evidence

• As a trained physician, his medical expertise proves valuable in the course of the investigations

• Doyle also reveals Watson's compassionate nature throughout the novel:

  • He demonstrates empathy towards the characters he encounters

  • His relatability and grounded nature make him a sympathetic character

• Watson is more sentimental than Holmes, but also more biased and critical of others

• He does not have an innate tendency towards optimism and takes a cautious approach to life

• His romantic relationship with Mary Morstan introduces a romantic element within the narrative 

Mary Morstan

• Mary Morstan is first portrayed as a strong, independent woman possessing both integrity and fortitude:

  • Her determination to uncover the truth surrounding her father's disappearance demonstrates her strength of character and her desire for justice

• Her connection to the Agra treasure serves as a catalyst for the narrative

• She is depicted as an intelligent and observant individual and her astuteness highlights her intellect and perceptiveness

• She forms a bond with Watson throughout the course of the novel and their growing connection is marked by moments of mutual support and understanding

• Mary is depicted as compassionate and empathetic:

  • Her caring nature is evident in her concern for the welfare of others, for example, when she expresses sympathy for the hardships faced by Jonathan Small

• She is idealised by Watson and his narration often presents Mary through a somewhat romanticised view:

  • Watson’s descriptions of her often focus on her physical appearance, emphasising her beauty, grace and other attributes that are traditionally associated with femininity

•  Watson's admiration for Mary’s beauty and grace is apparent in his descriptions:

  • However, it is worth noting that this perspective may be influenced by Watson's own subjective observations and personal feelings towards her

• In some ways her character could be viewed as challenging traditional gender roles of the Victorian era:

  • She actively engages in the investigation alongside Holmes and Watson, and contributes her own insights and observations

• Despite this, she is also presented as weak and delicate and in need of protection:

  • Conan Doyle largely portrays her in a supporting role, often fainting and turning pale

  • This presentation largely aligns with Victorian ideals of femininity and delicacy

Thaddeus Sholto

• Thaddeus Sholto is first presented as a secretive and enigmatic figure who plays a significant role in the narrative:

  • This air of mystery surrounding him creates intrigue and suspense in the narrative

• Thaddeus struggles with the legacy of his late father, Major Sholto, and he is burdened by the knowledge of the Agra treasure and the tragic events surrounding it

• He is, therefore, a conflicted character who is torn between both guilt and loyalty:

  • This inner conflict adds depth to his character and raises questions about his motives and allegiances

• Although Thaddeus is often portrayed as a feeble and vulnerable character, he is just and morally upright in his behaviour

• He is portrayed as an individual who possesses a sense of responsibility:

  • He willingly cooperates with Holmes and Watson, providing them with crucial information which aids their investigation

• His actions and interactions with the other characters reveal his desire to rectify the mistakes of the past and seek justice for those who have suffered

• Thaddeus’ vulnerability and fear are also revealed which adds a humanising element to his character and elicits empathy from the reader

• In contrast to Major Sholto’s deceit and Bartholomew’s secrecy, Thaddeus acts with integrity and openness

  • He embodies benevolence and treats Mary with kindness and compassion

• Ultimately, Thaddeus is spared punishment and treated with sympathy

Jonathan Small

• Jonathan Small is first described as ‘a bearded hairy face, with wild, cruel eyes and an expression of concentrated malevolence’:

  • In this way, he's described using colonial stereotypes, which reflect Victorian prejudices

• His determination and survival instincts make him a formidable and cunning character

• He seeks retribution against those he believes have wronged him, and this motivates his actions in the novella:

  • His relentless pursuit of justice adds a layer of intensity to the narrative

• Conan Doyle portrays Small as a complex and morally ambiguous character:

  • While his desire for revenge could be viewed as justifiable, his actions and involvement in criminal activities blur the lines between right and wrong

• Although his criminal actions cannot be condoned, his background and the circumstances surrounding the Agra treasure shed light on the injustices he has faced:

  • This nuanced portrayal challenges the reader’s perceptions of him and invokes a mix of emotions towards him

• Small's loyalty is tested when confronted with the opportunity to reveal the truth and to seek justice

• Small expresses regret at the treasure’s cost, though not full remorse:

  • This raises questions about his motivations and potential for redemption

• He is shown as fiercely loyal to his comrades, particularly to Tonga

• As a character, he elicits both sympathy and disdain from the reader

Athelney Jones

• Athelney Jones is portrayed as a well-intentioned but somewhat bumbling and overconfident detective

• He is introduced as a self-proclaimed expert in the science of detection, frequently using his extensive knowledge to explain his methods

• He is depicted as being overly influenced by the latest advancements in forensic science often prioritising new techniques over traditional investigative methods

• Jones is portrayed as someone who takes great pride in his investigative skills and enjoys demonstrating his expertise

• His character serves as a contrast to Holmes, highlighting the unique qualities that make Holmes an exceptional detective

• Jones often lacks the keen observational and deductive abilities that make Holmes so remarkable

• He frequently makes mistakes and jumps to hasty conclusions, leading him down misguided paths in his investigations:

  • His portrayal highlights the contrast between Holmes’ meticulous and precise methods and Jones’ more impulsive and less accurate approach

• Through the presentation of Jones, the police are also characterised by Conan-Doyle as ineffective and foolish

• However, Jones is a character who is willing to learn and adapt from Holmes:

  • Despite his initial scepticism towards Holmes’ unconventional methods, he gradually comes to appreciate the detective's brilliance

• He is portrayed as a good-natured and amiable character:

  • He retains a cordial relationship with Holmes despite their professional differences 

Sources

Doyle, Arthur Conan. “The Sign of the Four.” Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2097/2097-h/2097-h.htm.