A Study in Scarlet · Character

Jefferson Hope

A young hunter with an untiring will and a vindictiveness learned among the Indians, devoted body and soul to one woman and one purpose.

major

Also known as Young Jefferson Hope, Jefferson, Young, Hope, Mr. Jefferson Hope

First appearance: II: The Flower of Utah

As a major figure in A Study in Scarlet, Jefferson Hope is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Captured by Holmes after being tricked into helping with a portmanteau; identified as the murderer of Drebber and Stangerson; fights violently before being subdued.

In the storyLight in the DarknessOpen this moment free

See Jefferson Hope in Light in the Darkness Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

With John Ferrier (friendship): Jefferson Hope is a loyal friend and protector to John Ferrier, having saved his life in the desert and later becoming his ally against the Mormon threats. With Lucy Ferrier (romantic): Jefferson Hope is deeply in love with Lucy Ferrier, and their relationship is a tender, devoted romance tragically cut short by Mormon persecution. With Brigham Young (rivalry): Brigham Young is the primary antagonist to Jefferson Hope, representing the oppressive Mormon hierarchy that destroys Hope's love.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Jefferson Hope sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Jefferson Hope in II: The Flower of Utah

Character Web

10 connections

A slice of how Jefferson Hope sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Romantic
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Utah Mormon Conflict
London Investigation Support
Protagonist

+5 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where the tension of…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

John Ferrier
friendship · positive
Jefferson Hope is a loyal friend and protector to John Ferrier, having saved his life in… How this plays out →
Lucy Ferrier
romantic · positive
Brigham Young
rivalry · negative
Enoch J. Drebber
rivalry · negative
Lucy Ferrier
romantic · positive
John Ferrier
friendship · positive
Jefferson Hope is a loyal friend and protector to John Ferrier, having saved his life in… How this plays out →
Enoch J. Drebber
rivalry · negative
John Ferrier
friendship · positive
Jefferson Hope is a loyal friend and protector to John Ferrier, having saved his life in… How this plays out →
Lucy Ferrier
romantic · positive

John Ferrier
Jefferson Hope is a loyal friend and protector to John Ferrier, having saved his life in the desert and later becoming his ally against the Mormon threats.
Lucy Ferrier
Jefferson Hope is deeply in love with Lucy Ferrier, and their relationship is a tender, devoted romance tragically cut short by Mormon persecution.
Brigham Young
Brigham Young is the primary antagonist to Jefferson Hope, representing the oppressive Mormon hierarchy that destroys Hope's love.
Enoch J. Drebber
Enoch J. Drebber is the primary target of Jefferson Hope's vengeance, having ruined Hope's life by forcing Lucy into marriage.
Lucy Ferrier
Jefferson Hope is deeply in love with Lucy Ferrier, and their relationship is a tender, devoted romance tragically cut short by Mormon persecution.
John Ferrier
Jefferson Hope is a loyal friend and protector to John Ferrier, having saved his life in the desert and later becoming his ally against the Mormon threats.
Enoch J. Drebber
Enoch J. Drebber is the primary target of Jefferson Hope's vengeance, having ruined Hope's life by forcing Lucy into marriage.
John Ferrier
Jefferson Hope is a loyal friend and protector to John Ferrier, having saved his life in the desert and later becoming his ally against the Mormon threats.
Lucy Ferrier
Jefferson Hope is deeply in love with Lucy Ferrier, and their relationship is a tender, devoted romance tragically cut short by Mormon persecution.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Jefferson Hope in II: The Flower of Utah

In the story

Jefferson Hope appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Light in the Darkness
Captured by Holmes after being tricked into helping with a portmanteau; identified as the murderer of Drebber and Stangerson; fights violently before being subdued.
The Country of the Saints
A non-Mormon hunter who falls in love with Lucy Ferrier, setting up the central romantic conflict of the backstory.
II: The Flower of Utah
A pioneer, scout, and trapper who wins Lucy's heart and promises to return in two months to marry her.
III: John Ferrier Talks with the Prophet
Hope is absent but is the intended recipient of a message from Ferrier, who hopes he will return to help them escape.
IV: A Flight for Life
Leads the escape, using his knowledge of the terrain and countersigns to guide the Ferriers through the mountains.
The Avenging Angels
Discovers Ferrier's grave, learns of Lucy's forced marriage and death, and dedicates his life to revenge, pursuing Drebber and Stangerson for years.
VI: A Continuation of the Reminiscences of John Watson, M.D.
Captured and confesses his story; reveals his fatal aneurism and his role as avenger.
The Conclusion
Dies in his cell from a burst aneurism, found with a placid smile.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Jefferson Hope unlock in the free preview.

See Jefferson Hope in II: The Flower of Utah

See Jefferson Hope in Light in the Darkness