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The Valley of Fear · Character

Professor Moriarty

The criminal mastermind briefly mentioned as connected to the case.

minor

Also known as Moriarty, a Moriarty

First appearance: II: Sherlock Holmes Discourses

Professor Moriarty shows up with force in The Warning. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Referenced as the sinister figure behind Porlock, the 'He' whom Porlock fears.
In the storyThe WarningOpen this moment free

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In The Warning: Referenced as the sinister figure behind Porlock, the 'He' whom Porlock fears. Later, in II: Sherlock Holmes Discourses: Referred to as the mastermind behind criminal operations; Holmes suspects his…

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See Professor Moriarty in II: Sherlock Holmes Discourses

Character Web

8 connections

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

IMInspector MacD…SHSherlock HolmesDWDr. WatsonFPFred PorlockBMBrother MorrisPMProfessor Moriarty

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Birlstone Manor Investigation
  • Vermissa Valley Scowrers

+3 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This chapter marks the dramatic climax because McMurdo’s psychological peak of confidence and integration into…

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In the story

Professor Moriarty 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 Professor Moriarty unlock in the free preview.

See Professor Moriarty in II: Sherlock Holmes Discourses
Who is Professor Moriarty in The Valley of Fear?