Watson

Biodata

Background

Watson earned a medical doctorate at the University of London before training as an army doctor. He was wounded on the battlefield and carried to safety by his comrades. After returning from military service, he experienced psychosomatic symptoms affecting his mobility and used a crutch 4 9 18.

He came to 221B Baker Street looking for a room and met Lanny, a fellow University of London student. Sherlock invited them both upstairs to review his roommate agreement, which Watson praised for its thoroughness 4 5.

After returning to London, Watson interviewed at hospitals and clinics. Several asked when he could start, but he did not immediately accept an offer 19.

Appearance

Watson is a blond young man who initially walks with an aluminum crutch 4.

• Hair: Blond 4.
• Clothing: Wears a black jacket on one occasion 38.
• Mobility: Initially limps and uses a crutch, though he can run quickly despite his symptoms 8.

Personality

Watson is warm, considerate, and attentive to the people around him. He encourages Lanny without dismissing his choices and regularly brings him snacks. Concerned that Lanny might be lonely or reluctant to seek help, Watson asks to meet his friends; when Lanny’s attempt to stage the meeting is exposed, Watson forgives him and explains his worries 19 21 27.

He has a strong sense of justice and a soldier’s loyalty. He promises to protect Lanny during the Workhouse investigation and refuses to leave him behind when criminals attack them 7 9. He is also curious about mysteries, although he can be impatient or displeased with Sherlock 5 36.

Abilities & Skills

Medicine

Watson holds a medical doctorate and has experience in battlefield medicine 4 19.

• He brought Lanny easily digestible food after the Workhouse attack and advised him to remain in hospital for observation 10.
• During the Noah cruise, Lanny persuaded him to look after the ill Professor Moriarty 44.

Military training

Watson’s combat experience and conditioning remain useful despite his initial mobility difficulties 8 9.

• He ran after a suspected thief and helped Lanny evade three pursuers 8 9.
• During the attack, he used his cane to defend himself while pulling Lanny to safety 9.

Investigation and writing

Watson is interested in criminal cases and works with Sherlock on investigations. He also writes a blog about their cases, checking details with Lanny while preparing his account of A Study in Scarlet 5 36.

Relationships

• Lanny (He Xue) — Fellow University of London student and close friend. Watson protects and supports him; Lanny considers Watson his first friend in London and the person closest to him there 4 9 27.
• Sherlock Holmes — Flatmate and investigative partner. Watson initially defends Sherlock against criticism, later solves A Study in Scarlet with him, and sometimes objects when Sherlock involves Lanny in his plans 8 36 46.
• Mrs. Hudson — Their landlady at 221B Baker Street. Watson shares meals and household duties with her and joins her on the Christmas cruise 26 38 40.
• Dr. Sarah — A doctor Watson met at a clinic and went on a date with. He asks Lanny to recommend Chinese restaurants because she likes Chinese food 25 26.
• Mycroft Holmes — Sherlock’s brother. Mycroft claims Watson was planted beside Sherlock to spy on him, but Lanny doubts the claim 13.

Story Role

Workhouse investigation

Watson accompanies Sherlock and Lanny to the exploded Workhouse, where a skeleton and other human remains have been found. He and Lanny examine the skeleton identified as Ryan Trevelyan and later search for suspicious people near the scene 6 7 8.

A staged theft draws Watson and Lanny into an ambush by three criminals. Lanny is stabbed, and Watson helps him flee before the attackers push Lanny into a drainage channel and pin Watson down. Sherlock subsequently leads police in capturing the three men; Watson visits Lanny in hospital afterward 8 9 10.

University and Schneider case

Watson tells Lanny about a past university shooting and the distress the student responsible had shown beforehand. Worried about Lanny’s social life, he asks him to invite friends to dinner; after a misunderstanding involving Lucian and a group of students, Watson reassures Lanny rather than scolding him 26 27.

When Lanny is questioned over Schneider’s murder, Watson accompanies him to Scotland Yard and waits for the result. The investigation identifies a professor as the killer, clearing Lanny 28 29.

Christmas aboard the *Noah*

Watson joins Lanny, Sherlock, and Mrs. Hudson on a Christmas cruise aboard the Noah. At Lanny’s request, he visits the unwell Professor Moriarty. He later realizes Sherlock arranged a challenge between Lanny and the fortune-teller Valentine Butler and protests Sherlock’s involvement 40 44 46.

Notable Quotes

“Lanny, on the battlefield, we don’t abandon any of our comrades.” 9

“If I do something that makes you unhappy, you must tell me, all right?” 27