John Watson

Even in the modern day adaption, John Watson (played by Martin Freeman) is still Sherlock’s loyal friend. He is a doctor and ex-soldier, having been invalidated home after being shot in the shoulder in Afghanistan. He is first introduced to Sherlock through a mutual acquaintance, Mike Stamford, who sets them up as flatmates. John soon gets swept up in Sherlock’s adventures. He acts as Sherlock’s social advocate, helping him become more human and caring. He becomes engaged and married to Mary Morstan in series 3, and has a daughter with her in series 4. In general, John is very friendly, compassionate, patient and brave, compared to Sherlock’s more logical and cold-hearted tendencies. John is a Hebrew name meaning ‘God has given.’