Plot Summary

Knowing the plot of The Sign of Four inside out is non-negotiable at GCSE. This lesson provides a detailed chapter-by-chapter breakdown, identifies key turning points, and maps the narrative structure so you can write confidently about any moment in the novel.

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Narrative Structure Overview

  Climax
  (Chapter 10: The Thames chase)
     /\
    /  \
   /    \       Falling Action
  /      \      (Chapter 11: Small's
 /        \      capture; treasure lost)
/  Rising   \
/  Action    \
/ (Chapters   \          Resolution
/ 3-9: The     \         (Chapter 12: Small's
/ investigation) \        confession; Watson
/                 \       proposes to Mary)
--Exposition-------\----->
(Chapters 1-2:
 Holmes's cocaine,
 Mary's visit,
 the mystery)

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Chapter 1: The Science of Deduction

The novel opens in 221B Baker Street. Holmes is injecting cocaine, and Watson expresses his disapproval. Holmes defends himself:

"My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work."

Holmes demonstrates his deductive method by analysing Watson's watch, deducing details about Watson's late brother — his drinking, his poverty, and his death. Watson is both impressed and hurt by the accuracy of these observations.