Laura Lyons Character Analysis

Laura Lyons is a typist in the nearby town of Coombe Tracey. An impetuous young woman, she soon found herself exiled from her family after marrying a man possibly because she became pregnant out of wedlock. Her husband soon deserted her, leaving Laura to make a living in whatever way she could. Lyons depends on the generosity of others, including Sir Charles Baskerville. Jack Stapleton preys on Laura’s precarious position in society, and her friendship with Charles Baskerville, to enable his murderous plans against Sir Charles. He pretends to want to marry Laura if she can pay for a divorce from the man that deserted her. He suggests that she arrange a meeting with Sir Charles in order to ask him for the necessary money, but demands at the last minute that she not attend the meeting. He sends his bloodthirsty hound in her place. To Laura’s credit, however, she shows an indominable spirit when Sherlock Holmes reveals Stapleton’s plans to her. Rather than the weak, submissive woman that Stapleton assumed her to be, Lyons quickly turns on him and agrees to offer evidence against him in court.