The Sign of the Four · Character
Sherman
Owner of Toby the dog, who lends him to Holmes.
minor
Also known as old Sherman, Mr. Sherman
First appearance: VII: The Episode of the Barrel
Sherman's tie to Sherlock Holmes is one of the pressures that moves The Sign of the Four—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Old naturalist in Lambeth who initially threatens Watson but relents upon hearing Holmes's name; provides Toby.
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With Sherlock Holmes (professional): Sherman is the keeper of the dog Toby, which Holmes borrows to track the scent of Jonathan Small and Tonga. With Mary Morstan (social): Mary Morstan accompanies Holmes and Watson to…
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The fuller portrait of Sherman sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Sherman in VII: The Episode of the BarrelCharacter Web
13 connectionsA slice of how Sherman sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Main characters and suspects
- Protagonist
- Supporting and background figures
+8 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
professional · positive
Sherman is the keeper of the dog Toby, which Holmes borrows to track the scent of… How this plays out →
- Mary Morstan
social · positive
- Sherlock Holmes
professional · positive
Sherman is the keeper of the dog Toby, which Holmes borrows to track the scent of… How this plays out →
- Mary Morstan
social · positive
- Sherlock Holmes
professional · positive
Sherman is the keeper of the dog Toby, which Holmes borrows to track the scent of… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Sherman in VII: The Episode of the BarrelIn the story
Sherman 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 Sherman unlock in the free preview.
See Sherman in VII: The Episode of the Barrel