The Sherlock Mystery: The Movies And Shows VS The Original Stories

The Character of Moriarty, Then and Now

In Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories, Moriarty is only brought into light during two storylines. It is made clear that Sherlock Holmes has great respect and fear for him and that Moriarty is Holmes greatest opponent. In the books, as in the show, Moriarty commands total power in a terrifying criminal underworld.

Moriarty was written as an equal of intellect to Sherlock, and on the show he comes across as such, while also being portrayed as a complete psychopath, with no remorse, empathy or connection to other human beings. All he cares for are games and power, which is played incredibly well by the actor Andrew Scott. His appearance as described in the book also matches fairly well- the pale skin, drawn features, intense gaze.