Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, provides vivid descriptions of the renowned detective's physical appearance throughout his stories.
Key Physical Features:
- Tall and Lean: Holmes is consistently portrayed as a tall and slender man.
- Dark, Wavy Hair: His hair is described as being dark and wavy, often unkempt and in need of a trim.
- Sharp, Piercing Eyes: Holmes' eyes are often described as sharp, piercing, and capable of reading people and situations with ease.
- Hawkish Nose: His nose is prominent and slightly hooked, giving him a somewhat hawk-like appearance.
- Pale Complexion: Due to his long hours spent indoors and his habit of neglecting his physical health, Holmes often has a pale complexion.
Additional Details:
While Doyle provides these key features, he also emphasizes the detective's peculiar habits and mannerisms that contribute to his overall appearance:
- Unkempt Appearance: Holmes is often seen in a rumpled coat, with his clothes appearing slightly disheveled and unfashionable.
- Scruffy Beard: At times, Holmes sports a scruffy beard, adding to his somewhat unkempt appearance.
- Long, Thin Fingers: His fingers are described as long and thin, which he uses to great effect in manipulating objects and examining evidence.
- Slender, Powerful Frame: Despite his lean appearance, Holmes possesses a surprising amount of physical strength, which he utilizes when necessary.
Notable Quotes:
- "He was a tall, thin man, with a long, thin face, sharp, piercing eyes, and a large, prominent nose." - A Scandal in Bohemia
- "His eyes were sharp and piercing, his nose long and thin, his lips firmly closed." - The Sign of Four
These descriptions paint a picture of a man who is both intelligent and enigmatic, with a keen eye for detail and a unique approach to solving mysteries.
