Characterisation in ‘The Speckled Band’
Using the quotations from the story, what can you say about how Arthur Conan Doyle has
created the characters? You will be looking at the character of HELEN STONER and will
then be explaining your findings to another group.
POINT
EVIDENCE
EXPLORATION
When we are first
introduced to Helen Stoner
we know that something
has agitated her in some
way.
A young lady has arrived in
a considerable state of
excitement.
The reader is therefore
wondering straight away what
has happened to Helen Stoner
to make her turn up at
Holmes’ door so early.
Helen Stoner is presented
in mourning (upset about
someone who has died.
Mourning lasted for a set
length of time in Victorian
times).
A lady dressed in black …
This shows that …
Helen Stoner is presented
as nervous at first.
Here Doyle shows how
perceptive Holmes is. It is
also shows that something is
affecting Helen’s nerves.
I observe the second half of
a return ticket … You must
have left early …
Helen Stoner is clearly
terrified.
Here, Doyle uses a simile to
show that Helen is vulnerable
like prey.
Holmes pulled back the
black frill of lace … the
marks of four fingers and a
thumb were printed upon
the white wrist …
‘He is so cunning that I
never know when I am safe
from him.’
© 2007 www.teachit.co.uk
7576.doc
Page 1 of 3
Characterisation in ‘The Speckled Band’
Using the quotations from the story, what can you say about how Arthur Conan Doyle has
created the characters? You will be looking at the character of SHERLOCK HOLMES and
will then be explaining your findings to another group.
POINT
EVIDENCE
EXPLORATION
Sherlock Holmes is
immediately presented as
an excellent detective.
… his professional
investigations … rapid
deductions, as swift as
intuitions, yet always
founded on a logical basis
…
Dr Watson gives us this
impression of Holmes through
his description. Doyle uses
Watson as the narrator to
show how well Sherlock
Holmes is thought of by those
around him.
Sherlock Holmes picks up
on lots of detail.
I observe the second half of
a return ticket … You must
have left early …
This shows that …
Sherlock Holmes likes to be
fully prepared.
This shows that he is
meticulous (really careful and
thorough) in his attention to
detail.
He may find there is
someone more cunning
than himself …
Sherlock Holmes tests his
hypothesis (theory).
It is very essential, Miss
Stoner, that you should
absolutely follow my advice
in every respect.’
He squatted down in front
of the wooden chair and
examined the seat of it with
the greatest attention.
Sherlock Holmes is very
observant.
I think that I have seen
enough now …
© 2007 www.teachit.co.uk
7576.doc
Page 2 of 3
Characterisation in ‘The Speckled Band’
Using the quotations from the story, what can you say about how Arthur Conan Doyle has
created the characters? You will be looking at the character of DR ROYLOTT and will then
be explaining your findings to another group.
POINT
EVIDENCE
EXPLORATION
Dr Roylott mixes with
undesirable types.
He had no friends at all
save the wandering gypsies
…
This makes him an unusual
and dangerous character.
Before we meet Dr Roylott
he is described as
physically strong.
He is a man of immense
strength, and absolutely
uncontrollable in his anger.
The effect that this has on the
reader is …
Helen describes how Dr
Roylott attacked a servant
in India.
Doyle describes Dr Roylott’s
past to emphasise to the
reader how dangerous he is.
This gives us a clue that he
might have something to do
with the death.
He has a passion also for
Indian animals
Dr Roylott did not socialise
with many people.
Holmes pulled back the
black frill of lace … the
marks of four fingers and a
thumb were printed upon
the white wrist …
… a large face, seared with
a thousand wrinkles,
burned yellow with the sun,
and marked every evil
passion …
Dr Roylott is first presented
as a very large man who
blocks the door.
This shows …
… his costume was a
peculiar mix of the
professional and the
agricultural … with a
hunting-crop swinging in
his hand …
He is so cunning that I
never know when I am safe
from him.
© 2007 www.teachit.co.uk
7576.doc
Page 3 of 3