The Sign of the Four · Character
Mordecai Smith
A red-faced, liquor-loving boat owner whose steam launch the Aurora becomes the villains' escape vessel down the Thames.
supporting
Also known as Mr. Smith, Mr. Mordecai Smith, Smith, old Smith
First appearance: viii the baker street irregulars
As a supporting figure in The Sign of the Four, Mordecai Smith is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Smith is mentioned as the launch owner who was paid well and seen drunk, ordering the Aurora for eight o'clock.
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Smith hires out his fast launch to Small's men for good money and asks no questions, which makes him useful and expendable in equal measure. Holmes tracks him through Jacobson's Yard and uses a sentry to watch the…
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The fuller portrait of Mordecai Smith sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Mordecai Smith in viii the baker street irregularsCharacter Web
7 connectionsA slice of how Mordecai Smith sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Supporting and background figures
- Protagonist
- Main characters and suspects
+2 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
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
Mordecai Smith aids Jonathan Small's escape by providing his steam launch, becoming a… How this plays out →
- Sherlock Holmes
rivalry · negative
Mordecai Smith aids Jonathan Small's escape by providing his steam launch, becoming a… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mordecai Smith in viii the baker street irregularsIn the story
Mordecai Smith 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 Mordecai Smith unlock in the free preview.
See Mordecai Smith in viii the baker street irregulars