May 22nd is the birthday of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and is recognized as International Sherlock Holmes Day.
Having first appeared in publication in 1887, yet 137 years later we are still fascinated by the character. Holmes has had countless reboots in film and television, with the 2010 BBC version being one of the most highly watched program in BBC's history.
So why do we find ourselves still utterly fascinated by this character and his stories when so many other characters from around the same time period don't resonate?
Gary Swaby has an excellent breakdown of What Makes Sherlock Holmes Such a Great Character on his blog, but here are a couple additional takeaways.
His ability to draw large conclusions from small observations. This technique made famous by Holmes has often been utilized in other characters as well (think Sean from Psych), and seems to resonate in our busy human brains.
Like all of us, the character of Sherlock Holmes is flawed. While he is brilliant at solving mysteries, he can often make sweeping generalizations and isn't great at interacting with others. These weaknesses balance out his strengths and make him more relatable.
Holmes is a timeless character that we continue to be fascinated by. Chances are your local library has Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novels or short stories, and one of the many film and television versions. If you haven't had a chance to explore the world of Baker Street, check out the many options on Lincc.org.
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