In Victorian crime fiction, you had the wealthy businessmen who might be the target of blackmail or robbery. There were also street urchins who could be both witnesses and sometimes minor criminals. Servants were also common characters, as they had access to the households of the wealthy and could be involved in crimes or be key to solving them, given their inside knowledge of the comings and goings in these grand houses.
Criminals are also typical characters. There are various types of criminals like the mastermind criminals who plan elaborate schemes. And there are also the impulsive ones who commit crimes on the spur of the moment. In many crime novels, we get to see into the minds of these criminals to understand their motives.
The use of detective figures is a key characteristic. Detectives in Victorian crime fiction are often highly intelligent and observant. They use logic and deduction to solve crimes. For instance, Sherlock Holmes is a prime example. His ability to notice the smallest details was remarkable. Moreover, Victorian crime fiction often had a lot of suspense. The authors would keep the readers on the edge of their seats, slowly revealing clues and misdirecting them at times. The moral and ethical issues of the time were also reflected in these stories, like the role of women in society and the problems related to industrialization.
The Victorian social environment was complex. High levels of poverty and class disparity were prevalent. This led to themes of crime among the lower classes often being explored in crime fiction. For example, the struggle for survival might drive a character to theft. The strict moral codes of the Victorians also meant that crime and its consequences were a way to explore morality in the stories.
They often have complex mysteries. For example, in Sherlock Holmes stories, there are intricate plots full of twists and turns. The settings are usually in the Victorian era's cities like London, with its dark alleys and foggy streets adding to the mysterious atmosphere.
Well, Victorian era crime fiction is known for its elaborate plots. There were often multiple layers of mystery. The villains in these stories were sometimes from the upper classes, which was a bit of a subversion as crime was often associated with the lower classes. The use of forensic science, although not as advanced as today, was starting to be incorporated. For example, the examination of fingerprints and footprints. And the stories usually had a clear sense of justice in the end, with the guilty being punished and the truth being revealed, which was in line with the Victorian values of the time.
Arthur Conan Doyle is one of the most famous. He created Sherlock Holmes, a character that has become an icon in crime fiction. His stories were full of brilliant deductions and interesting mysteries. Another well - known author was Wilkie Collins. His novel 'The Moonstone' is considered one of the first detective novels in the English language.
Well, in crime fiction, one typical feature is the setting. It can be a dark and gritty city alley or a seemingly peaceful small town with secrets lurking beneath. Another is the complex characters. There are the criminals, who may have their own motives and backstories that are gradually revealed. And then, there's the plot structure which usually involves the discovery of clues, false leads, and a final revelation that ties everything together. It also often has elements of danger and jeopardy, adding to the overall excitement and tension.
One of the most memorable is Hercule Poirot. He is a meticulous detective with his own unique methods of investigation. His little grey cells, as he calls his brainpower, are always at work.
Arthur Conan Doyle is extremely famous for creating Sherlock Holmes. His stories are some of the most well - known in Victorian crime fiction. Another is Wilkie Collins. His 'The Moonstone' is considered one of the first detective novels in English. It has a complex plot with many twists and turns.
Victorian crime novels often had complex plots with multiple twists and turns. They also typically featured a detective or investigator as the main character, and placed a strong emphasis on social class and morality.