Transcript The Hound of the Baskervilles Character Revision Source: http://www.tes.co.uk/ResourceDetail.aspx?storyCode=6062023 You will need to revise the key characters carefully to answer Part B of the 4 part question successfully.

The Hound of
the
Baskervilles
Character
Revision
Source: http://www.tes.co.uk/ResourceDetail.aspx?storyCode=6062023
You will need to revise the key
characters carefully to answer
Part B of the 4 part question
successfully.
Can be arrogant or
egotistical. E.g. his
annoyance at being
called 2nd best by
Mortimer and his
mocking of Watson’s
deductions
His methods of
deduction are very logical
and scientific. E.g. he is
not taken in by the
supernatural tale of the
hound. He looks for
rational alternatives.
This energy helps to add
pace to the final chapters.
It is Holmes’ arrival that
sets the events and action
in motion.
Sherlock Holmes
He is rather secretive
about his plans. E.g. he
follows Watson down to
Baskerville Hall and will
not reveal his final plan
(ch. 14)
Shows a great deal of
energy and enthusiasm
for what he does. This
is especially obvious in
the later chapters.
Does make occasional
mistakes which may
make him appear more
“human”. E.g. allowing
the bearded man to escape
in London.
At times he can appear to
mock Watson and his
abilities e.g. the cane.
however, does assure him
his help (reports sent to
London) is valued.
Very observant – Can spot
the clues no-one else can
see. e.g. Dr Mortimer’s
Cane and the portrait
of Sir Hugo
Story is seen through his
eyes, therefore, the
reader feels more
sympathetic towards him.
Does attempt to use
Holmes’ methods to
unravel the mysteries
(e.g. the cane)
However, his abilities are
nearly always undermined
by Holmes and his
superior talent.
Holmes obviously trusts
Watson – he sends him
to Baskerville Hall and
also reads his reports
closely.
Dr. Watson
Acts as a foil to Holmes.
where Watson struggles
to understand clues
Holmes immediately
sees the relevance.
Although Watson is
unable to solve the
mystery without Holmes
he still uncovers some
important facts.
Watson’s obvious
admiration for Holmes
again helps to make the
detective appear even
greater.
This helps to emphasise
Holmes’ intelligence.
Is very inquisitive from
the moment he is
introduced (questions
Watson about Holmes).
could be suspicious.
Shows a fascination with
and a great deal of
knowledge about the
Grimpen Mire at the first
meeting – again this is
suspicious in hindsight.
Suspicions are raised
further when he reacts
angrily to Sir Henry
meeting with Miss
Stapleton.
Stapleton
When Holmes explains
How Stapleton planned
his crime at the end it
shows his intelligence
and cunning.
Again when he finds out
Seldon is dead instead of
Sir Henry he remains calm
under pressure.
His subsequent apology
could show his cunning
as he is able to deceive
Watson and Sir Henry
about the real reason
for his anger.
Appears brave from
the start because he
is unafraid of going
to Baskerville Hall.
Sir Henry
The relationship with
Miss Stapleton helps
to add further drama
and intrigue.
Appears a little shorttempered. He argues
with the staff at the
hotel and
Stapleton.
When answering the question on
character make sure that you use
quotations from the extract to support the
points you make. Look for:
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What the character says.
How they are physically described.
What other characters say about them.
How their behaviour is described.
Their reactions to other characters or events.