Sherlock Holmes
The author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle of the story entitled "The Adventure of the Dancing Men" presents the character of the protagonist Sherlock Holmes through the narration of Holmes' friend Watson as an astute and a keen observant person. Holmes prowess is the use of logical inferences and astute observation in solving cases. There are many scenes from the story depicting this very quality of Holmes.
The story begins with the immediate display of this ability as Holmes suddenly said what Watson was thinking: that of proposing to invest in South American securities. Sir Doyle then impresses to the reader Holmes' character through the instances when the protagonist looks like foretelling what was going to happen next, when actually he was just making logical inferences. So when he told Watson that the latter is going to say: "It is all so absurdly simple" in five minutes, he has his basis. Holmes explanation behind his knowledge of Watson's intimate thoughts consists of connecting links that finally led to the statement: "So, Watson, you do not propose to invest in South African securities?" (Doyle, A. 1922). True to what Holmes said Watson uttered: "How absurdly simple!" despite his previous vehemence that he was sure that he would not say nothing of the kind. Holmes logical explanation is as follows: (Holmes talking with Watson: "by an inspection of the groove between your left forefinger and thumb, to feel sure that you did not propose to invest your small capital in the gold fields. : 1. You had chalk between your left finger and thumb when you returned from the club last night. 2. You put chalk there when you play billiards, to steady the cue. 3. You never play billiards except with Thurston. 4. You told me, four weeks ago, that Thurston had an option on some South African property which would expire in a month, and which he desired you to share with him. 5. Your check book is locked in my drawer, and you have not asked for the key." (Doyle, A.1922)...
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