The Sign of the Four · Character
Jonathan Small
A one-legged man carrying an old grudge and a darker claim to the Agra treasure than anyone in London suspects.
major
Also known as Small, this Jonathan Small
First appearance: The Strange Story of Jonathan Small
As a major figure in The Sign of the Four, Jonathan Small is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Small is the target of the chase, described as having low cunning and having arranged the launch's concealment.
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Small haunts the edges of the Agra mystery as a shadowy figure whose history with the treasure predates everyone now chasing it. His physical loss and long-nursed grievance give him a motive that the drawing-room heirs…
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The fuller portrait of Jonathan Small sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Jonathan Small in The Strange Story of Jonathan SmallCharacter Web
19 connectionsA slice of how Jonathan Small sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Main characters and suspects
- Protagonist
- Supporting and background figures
+14 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Climax.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
In this excerpt, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Jonathan Small reveals he has thrown the tre…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Sherlock Holmes
rivalry · negative
Jonathan Small is the primary antagonist whom Holmes pursues and ultimately captures for… How this plays out →
- Athelney Jones
rivalry · negative
- Sherlock Holmes
rivalry · negative
Jonathan Small is the primary antagonist whom Holmes pursues and ultimately captures for… How this plays out →
- Athelney Jones
rivalry · negative
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Jonathan Small in The Strange Story of Jonathan SmallIn the story
Jonathan Small appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Jonathan Small unlock in the free preview.
See Jonathan Small in The Strange Story of Jonathan Small