The characters most famed across all of Conan Doyle’s stories are of course Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. Holmes is a gifted observer and detective. He lives (literally and metaphorically) by solving the must unusual investigations. Dr Watson is an ex-serviceman who catalogues Holmes’ stories and assists him in his work.
Jabez Wilson is the key character in this tale. He is a pawnbroker without family, but with red hair, and a love of money. He is duped in to taking a job with the Red Headed League, and organization devised to get him out of his shop so a group of criminals can dig a tunnel through his cellar to a bank vault.
Vincent Spaulding is the too-benevolent assistant who offers his services to Wilson at a very low rate, and who convinces him to chase up the advert for the Red Headed League. He is revealed, by a scar on his forehead, to be the notorious criminal, John Clay.
Peter Jones is an unimaginative but diligent policeman who has been chasing John Clay for years.
Mr Merreywether is the director of the bank targeted by Clay and his cronies.