Sherlock Holmes
The protagonist of the narrative, Sherlock Holmes is in his old age and his memory is deteriorating. He is not the typical figure we are used in narratives that explore his detective expertise and intellectual capacity. Instead, he is a vulnerable character whose mental acuity is gradually failing him as he ponders on his past and present. He is more human and grasps or rather relates to the concept of empathy with his now advanced age.
Roger
Roger is a young teenage son of the protagonist’s housekeeper. He helps Mr. Holmes recollect past events that he wishes to put down in writing. He is introduced to the protagonist’s hobby of beekeeping and learn quickly the ins and outs of the craft. He also becomes a good apprentice to Holmes as he also learns detective tactics since he admires and looks up to the reputable detective.
Mrs. Munro
Roger’s mother and Holmes’ housekeeper is the other companion in the protagonist’s life. She criticizes Holmes for lacking empathy towards others and only seems to care about himself. Mrs. Munro prompts Holmes to get in touch with his humanity rather than be a rigid character.
Mr. Umezaki
Mr. Umezaki is introduced to the narrative in a flashback of a recent trip Mr. Holmes took to Japan. He is the protagonist’s correspondent and helps him his search of the prickly ash for health purposes. He is the son of an anglophile father who abandons them and travelled to England, while there Holmes convinced him to not return home.
