The Hound of the Baskervilles

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The Hound of the Baskervilles

• Character
• Revision

Source http//www.tes.co.uk/ResourceDetail.aspx?s
toryCode6062023
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You will need to revise the key characters
carefully to answer Part B of the 4 part question
successfully.
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Very observant Can spot the clues no-one else
can see. e.g. Dr Mortimers Cane and the
portrait of Sir Hugo
Can be arrogant or egotistical. E.g. his
annoyance at being called 2nd best by Mortimer
and his mocking of Watsons 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.
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)
This energy helps to add pace to the final
chapters. It is Holmes arrival that sets the
events and action in motion.
Sherlock Holmes
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.
Shows a great deal of energy and enthusiasm for
what he does. This is especially obvious in the
later chapters.
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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.
Acts as a foil to Holmes. where Watson
struggles to understand clues Holmes immediately
sees the relevance.
Holmes obviously trusts Watson he sends him to
Baskerville Hall and also reads his
reports closely.
Dr. Watson
Watsons obvious admiration for Holmes again
helps to make the detective appear even greater.
This helps to emphasise Holmes intelligence.
Although Watson is unable to solve the mystery
without Holmes he still uncovers some important
facts.
5
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.
Is very inquisitive from the moment he
is introduced (questions Watson about
Holmes). could be suspicious.
Stapleton
His subsequent apology could show his cunning as
he is able to deceive Watson and Sir Henry about
the real reason for his anger.
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.
6
Appears brave from the start because he is
unafraid of going to Baskerville Hall.
Sir Henry
Appears a little short- tempered. He argues with
the staff at the hotel and Stapleton.
The relationship with Miss Stapleton helps to add
further drama and intrigue.
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When answering the question on character make
sure that you use quotations from the extract to
support the points you make. Look for

• 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.