The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes · Character
Old Cunningham
A wealthy Reigate squire whose household is shaken by a burglary and a violent death, and whose composure Holmes finds worth testing.
supporting
Also known as Cunningham, Mr. Cunningham, old Cunningham
First appearance: The Reigate Puzzle
As a supporting figure in The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, Old Cunningham is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Local magistrate; one of the murderers, exposed by Holmes through analysis of the torn note.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With Sherlock Holmes (rivalry): Old Cunningham is a cunning criminal who attempts to outwit Holmes but is ultimately exposed. With Inspector Lestrade (rivalry): Inspector Lestrade investigates Old Cunningham as a…
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The fuller portrait of Old Cunningham sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Old Cunningham in The Reigate PuzzleCharacter Web
16 connectionsA slice of how Old Cunningham sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Silver Blaze case
- Protagonist
- Yellow Face secret
+11 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, the narrative climax is marked by Watson’s psychological peak of self-conscious frustration a…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Sherlock Holmes
rivalry · negative
Old Cunningham is a cunning criminal who attempts to outwit Holmes but is ultimately… How this plays out →
- Inspector Lestrade
rivalry · negative
- Sherlock Holmes
rivalry · negative
Old Cunningham is a cunning criminal who attempts to outwit Holmes but is ultimately… How this plays out →
- Sherlock Holmes
rivalry · negative
Old Cunningham is a cunning criminal who attempts to outwit Holmes but is ultimately… How this plays out →
- Inspector Lestrade
rivalry · negative
- Inspector Lestrade
rivalry · negative
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Old Cunningham in The Reigate PuzzleIn the story
Old Cunningham appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Old Cunningham unlock in the free preview.
See Old Cunningham in The Reigate Puzzle