the Thinker

They are smart, they are suave and can reach places where people like us can hardly think of. Before you people start guessing, I am not talking about sting operations, video cameras and super computers. But yes, they do come close except for the difference that I am talking about humans; really intelligent at that with an IQ of around 140 or maybe more than that. From time to time, they have appeared in all ages, sizes and packages. You must have understood by now and if not, then I am talking about crime detectives, spies or secret agents, whatever you choose to call them.

In real life, private investigation is not such a glossy occupation and hardly does anyone reach the stature of the men and women I am going to mention somewhere ahead in the post. But as reel life entities or literary characters, they manage to arrest our attention through their superior intelligence, investigation techniques and deduction methods.

So without further delay, I begin my anthology of some such men and women about whom many of us have read some time in our lives and perhaps desired similar wits, guts and also looks in some cases.

Sherlock Holmes

Creator: Arthur Conan Doyle

Appeared in: Books and later on in teleseries and movies

Nationality: British

Sidekick: Dr.Watson

Physical attributes: Tall, lean with keen, sharp eyes and a famous hook nose.

IQ Factor: What makes reading Sherlock Holmes so enjoyable are his methods, techniques and of course his extraordinary power to deduct possible conclusions in each of the cases he handled. Holmes investigative craft always appears to be following the scientific law of 'Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.' For instance, people who have read the chapter where Dr. Watson is for the first time introduced to Holmes, would remember how Homes ended up telling where Dr. Watson had arrived from and how he had suffered from ill health without any exchange of words with the latter. At the very introductory chapter, we get a glimpse of Holmes' extraordinary observation and deduction power. He explains the reasons that could have lead him to guess Dr.Watson's physical condition and past just by observing the colour of his skin. Infact, what makes the character even more endearing is the fact that Holmes follows very bleak and apparently incomprehensible clues to solve the mystery. And at the end of it all, when he explains his theory part by part, it appears to the readers that they could have easily pieced the whole story together by themselves, had they payed a little more attention.

Negative aspects: smoking and occasional use of narcotic drugs. Also, his temperament could be too clinical at times and make him appear a bit devoid of human emotions.

Tools he used: Mostly disguise and spy glasses. During those days, there were no computers or other sophisticated devices to track criminals. But Holmes it appeared, had a brain that could surpass all these gimmicks.

Hercule Poirot

Creator: Agatha Christie

Appeared in: Books and much like Holmes in many television series

Nationality: Belgian

Sidekicks: Miss Lemon, Captain Arthur Hastings

Physical attributes: He was not a eye candy for sure. Viewed from the eyes of other characters, he appears to have an egg shaped head, short in height, a funny moustache and is also known to suffer from a limp in one of his legs. However, it is seldom being mentioned. The only attribute that might evoke some interest are his bright, green eyes; flashing with ideas and questions.

IQ Factor: Hercule Poirot methods are fairly simpler. In most of his stories, the focus in on the train of clues and connecting them together logically to get to the clue. In a way, somewhat similar to Holmes' method of investigation. However, what sets Hercule Poirot apart is his manner of psychological probing into the nature of the crime and that of the criminal. Of course, the psychological factor is relevant to Holmes' manner of investigation too. But the way Poirot chose to investigate was less clinical and the stress was more on behaving like a sympathiser or some kind of a counsellor; to whom the concerned suspect or person found easy to confess. What adds the charm to Poirot's character is this very quality of his, i.e, to make people speak without use of any pressure or contraints.

Negative aspects: I do not remember any vices as such, however, the only aspect in Poirot's techniques that might irk the reader is his habit to conceal facts till the very end of the story.

Tools: His conversational skills proved to be his most priced asset as far as solving mysteries was concerned in many of his novels. Other than that much like Holmes, he too depended on clues and possible logical deduction.

Inspector Jacques Clouseau

Creator: Blake Edwards, Maurice Richlin

Appeared in: All the Pink Panther films, (latest one I watched was played by Steve Martin)

Nationality: French

Sidekicks: Tucker

Physical attributes: Well, in my opinion there are no as such set parameters for Inspector Jacques Clouseau on grounds of physical characteristics. He has been played by actors like Peter Sellers (in most of the Pink Panther Films), Alan Arkin, Roger Moore and recently Steve Martin; and each one of them have added their own style to the character. However, two things that continue to remain constant in the character are his moustache and his insufferable French accent. Other than that, Clouseau as we all know, is marked by his buffoonery and wrong trail of investigations. But that's more to the emotional build up of the character.

IQ Factor: He is perhaps the only one in the league who lacks this factor (not completely though). Clouseau's antics and manner of pursuing crime evokes hillarity rather than suspense; and that continues to remain the main motive behind the creation of Inspector Clouseau as a character. As mentioned earlier, most of the cases he handles are far removed from any kind of logical thinking or for that matter, sanity. Clouseau should be nicknamed 'chaos' for coming up with ludicrous criminal theories and for the series of accidents he brings upon himself every time he is on a case. Moreover, he clearly comes across as the most stupid and idiotic of his league in his acts of clumsiness. Nevertheless, he is lovable and the exaggeration that governs most of his characteristics continue to remain the main source of enjoyment for the audiences. And what more, even though it is mostly due to sheer chance and luck, the case does get solved in the end. Also, he has a whole animated version to himself, which is really popular. Now, how many buffoo...I mean detectives can boast of that.

Negative aspects: This would be a kind of repetition, but everyone knows he does not have the brains to be a detective.

Tools: Excuse me?

Feluda (Pradosh Chandra Mitter)

Creator: Satyajit Ray

Appeared in: Books, teleseries and films

Nationality: Indian (Ah! at last...)

Sidekicks: Topshe (cousin) and Lalmohan Ganguly (also known as Jatayu, a famous fiction writer)

Physical attributes: Feluda represents the quintessential Bengali middle class culture and attitude. His appearance fits that part well. He is introduced by Ray as a young Detective, with sharp eyes, an intelligent face and a tall lean frame.

IQ Factor: He is Ray's answer to Sherlock Holmes as far as brains are concerned. Most of Feluda's investigative methods and techniques are based on logic, clues and inference and all these qualities are governed by a razor sharp observation power. However, unlike Holmes, he is not completely clinical in his observation. There is this element of righteousness that compliments Feluda's sharp intellect. Feluda's knowledge reserve mostly comes from books and that is manner in which Ray likes to potray his sleuth-an educated psyche with a middle class upbringing and a distinct adherence to Bengali culture. At times of course, he does seek assistance from Topshe and under rare circumstances from Jatayu. There is also this interesting quality of Feluda's, to pose questions to his cousin in the form of puzzles and riddles; that percolates down to the readers and audiences too (For reference, watch 'Joy Baba Felunath; incase you do not understand Bengali, these movies come with sub-titles)

Negative aspects: smoking again

Tools: Books, logical thinking and yes, an occasional use of a revolver or a disguise.

James Bond 007

Creator: Ian Fleming

Appeared in: Novels, anthologies and of course there are infamous movies to his credit

Nationality: British

Sidekicks: Felix Leiter (assistant to Bond in most of the early works), and of course, seductive women.

Physical attributes: There is no need to explicate on this part. James Bond has a reputation of being a lady killer and he is quite artfull at that too. Most of the females in the movies or stories are enamoured by his attractive personality and of course his looks. Infact, Bond makes use of this to his best advantage. Well, nicely backbrushed hair, a well-built and toned masculine physique and intense blue eyes are some of his physical attributes that makes the ladies in his movies go omph.

IQ Factor: I believe Bond is definitely one of the most successfully created fictional secret agents of all times; and his creators have kept in mind everything that is necessary to make a popular and commercially viable hero. What makes Bond stand apart is the fact that not only he uses conventional methods to reach at the bottom of a mystery, but he also uses a lot of required gimmicks that appeal to the modern audiences. However, at times Bond episodes appear to be rather predictable and filmy..but then, they are meant to be so and are a success at that. Also, what is unique about Bond's method of investigation is his flamboyance and stylish way of carrying himself. Also, the cases he handles are huge scale blockbuster cases just like his movies, abundant with all types of international smugglers, drug peddlers, diamond thieves and other big shots. There is hardly anything that can be termed as 'common' is Bond films.

Negative aspects: In my opinion, womanising.

Tools: Once again, he is perhaps the only one in this list so far, who has got an enviable array of spy devices to his use. Dagger shoes, Bug detectors, watches with wires to strangle villians, tape recording cameras, shooting cigarettes, Minox B 8*11 Camera, pocket snap trap, fake finger prints, voice changer, Submarine car, Special leather belts, digital binoculars..phew! There are more of them, but I guess you all got the picture..so he is the whizkid among spies.

Nancy Drew

Creator: Edward Stratemeyer (you may see the name of Carolyn Keene on the books but Nancy as a character was first created and outlined in detail in 1930s, by Stratemeyer)

Appeared in: Novels and recently I believe on the big screen too.

Nationality: American

Sidekicks: George Fayne, Bess Marvin and Ned Nickerson (Nancy's boyfriend).

Physical attributes: Nancy has the looks that essentially defines a young American teenage heroine. Blonde hair, blue eyes, slim and a medium height.

IQ Factor: She is the only female detective in this whole list and she is quite good at her job. In most cases, she is successful. Many of you may frown upon including her in this list; but then none of us can deny that almost all of us have read Nancy Drew Mysteries sometime during the teenage years of our lives. Most of her cases revolve around Riverdale and the crimes committed include buglary, theft, haunted mansions, murders etc. But so far, most of the cases revolve around circumstantial evidence and old conventional investigation methods. Nancy might not appeal to the more matured readers and it is not meant to as well. Infact, some of the situations might appear predictable and the most of the chapters in a book are mostly ended with a element of sudden suspense or rather should I say 'forced suspense.' Nancy Drew Mysteries are mostly cherished upon by teenagers or the like. But nevertheless, she is one of the most popular detectives of all times and famous at that too. Being the only female in this batch, she did deserve a mention.

Negative aspects: I don't remember any as of now.

Tools: Mostly interrogation and following people. Following clues like others. No hi-fi tools for her.

Add Hardy Boys to the list.In most of the mysteries involving them,one of the two or both get into some kind of trouble and gets physically wounded.But the wounded one carries on,and successfully cracks the mystery.  

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hi sheks, thanks for dropping by..i had considered hardy boys earlier on..but then i am putting up an anthology of solo detectives not groups..so hardy boys are left out of this.  

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hello thinker :)

gr8 to c u back after long time...so this time i think ur with detective stuff :)

gr8 was up and thanks for kind words and giving me support :)

Take Care
Vikas{V}  

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hi vikas,

thanks for dropping by..and need not thank me for my words...keep blogging!  

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thats a nice one.. hey do u remember the hindi tv series.. bhoomkesh bakshi.. that was also a good one..  

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hi art,

thanks for dropping by..yes, i remember now...it was good..but i don remember everything about that series..but it was a good one...  

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hi amrita. thanks for dropping by the page. you want another pain like the one or another painful note of emotions from me. ? :D
hey i moved to malaysia a weeks before. if you could enable your mail id i would be in touch if you wish to make it through mails.  

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hi known stranger,

i said i m waiting for more great writing from u..so hows malaysia? must b a great place...do ve a great time there.  

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Hi Amrita!

I am really Sorry for jumping in like this but Please read this



GBU
Arti

I will get back to reading the post at a later time. Sorry for this :)  

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Hi Amrita,
Thanks for ur lovely comment..
well, dont have time to read this whole..
But wil surely read it afterwards..  

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Dear Amrita,
Saw your comment on my blog after a looooong time..and was quite happy..guess SriKrishna has His own ways of making me smile (I am currently in the UK..looking for work, and fighting imminent bankruptcy....LOL)...
Did you know that the 'Greatest Fictional Detective' ever created is actually Bruce Wayne/Batman....in fact even Sherlock Holmes is considered second to him in talent. I enjoyed this post....and it was an interesting coincidence, as I had been reading detective fiction for some time before August. I can't stand James Bond...for the same reason that you have mentioned in your post.
How are you ? I am sorry it has taken me some time to respond...checked my Mahabharatha blog only today...take care.

SARVAM SRIKRISHNAARPANAMASTHU!  

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ya things are falling in place. another adventure another experience hope it continues long enough to carry good and bad memories for next adventure  

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hi arti,

i ve already read ur post on plagiarism and left my comment there...hope that guy learnt his lesson.

hi mona,

thanks for dropping by..keep visiting.

anand ramamoorthy,

my reaction too is similar to urs when i saw ur comment on my blog. so, ur in UK? I thought u had gone there for academic pursuit or something of the sort? "imminent bankruptcy.." hope Lord Krishna solves all ur problems soon enough. and yes, i know about bruce wayne, but to me it he is more of a superhero or something of the sort...though most of the superheroes are sleuths in their own right. do find some time and do keep blogging..all the best for ur future pursuits and u tk care too.

SARVAM SRIKRISHNAARPANAMASTHU!

known stranger,

do keep us posted on ur next adventure..hope u have a great time!!  

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Dear Amrita,
Hey...thanks a lot. I have tagged you...I am sorry...with just two readers left on my blog, I have to pass on these beastly things to someone...lol. I would love to get into a detailed discussion on the detective fiction genre but I gave up that kind of stuff a few weeks ago...can't have anything to do with trench-coats and magnifying glasses anymore..LOL.

Please check out Psmith, a character created by P.G Wodehouse....he is too funny for words.

I have finished my master's ,and as is the plight of all Indian students here, who come on loans (bank as well as personal), I am trying to find work. Don't worry about the bankruptcy thingy...your fellow blogger is a survivor! I will be fine, thanks for your wishes.
How are you doing? What have you been up to? If you wouldn't mind mailing me, please do so. My e-mail will be valvilraman@yahoo.co.in.....
Have a great time.

SARVAM SRIKRISHNAARPANAMASTHU!  

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This comment has been removed by the author.  

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Hi, your descriptive analysis of these characters is amazing!

Sherlock Homes is one of the most famous detective novels widely read by people of all ages.

Feluda seems to be an Indian version of Sherlock Holmes.

Inspector Jacques Clouseau is one of my favorites, especially the one played by Peter Sellers. He does manage to destroy almost everything he comes in contact with :)!

James Bond, I believe, is alive, mostly because all his enemies are busy wasting time talking or setting up elaborate traps allowing him adequate time to escape.

Hardy Boys is also one of my favorite detective duo, hope to see your analysis on them soon when you take on ‘groups’ :)

Jai Chabria  

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hi anand,

good to see u back and yes, i know how tough it is to settle loans there..but wish u the best and hope u come up with flying colours in future...psmith? well, i think i read about him long back...cannot remember...but anyways, do keep blogging and tk care.

Jai,
hi and thanks for dropping by..holmes stands as a kind of pioneer in this field of detective fiction...and yes, feluda refers to him as his 'guru' in one of his cases...clousseau is better performed by sellers anyday..james bond however, appears more commercially viable n his appeal...all masalas inherent in him..hardy boys...lets see...i already have a request for them...lets see when we can fit them in some post. anyways, keep blogging!!  

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Hey thinker,

When do we get to read the next blog???  

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Knock knock ... update?



GBU
Arti  

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hi, comfortably numb,

i guess many ppl did not read this post itself:-)...anyways, thanks for dropping by.

hi arti,

haven't thought of anything yet. hope to get back soon.  

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