William james Moriarty-02

William is a kind and courteous, but also highly intelligent and incredibly knowledgeable man.

Even at a young age he could read and write well, using his mind and wit to help others. It’s said that he was often in a library without permission, where he learned much along with his brother. His knowledge impressed many adults and he was loved by fellow kids. He would preach to them that the corrupt nobility deserved to be punished.

Growing up he was a mathematics prodigy and excelled in academics, even becoming a King's Scholar alongside his brothers and becoming a university professor at an incredibly young age.

As an adult, he grew up to be an elegant gentleman, a head-to-toe perfect noble. He is charismatic and eloquent, easily earning the respect of most. Due to his intelligence, he has an easy time seeing through lies, understanding others and also planning crimes. William is well-versed on how to organize and execute flawless operations, known to leave behind no tracks and manipulate other parties to do what he needs.

Despite his violent deeds, William is an incredibly kind, compassionate and gentle person. He is friendly to everyone around him and cannot ignore those in need, willing to help anyone even if they don't utter a direct request. Since young he was determined to create a better world, wishing for more justice and equality. Knowing how much it takes to execute such a plan, William was selfless enough to pay with his death as the final step.

William deeply cares for his family and allies. He never showed them the stress he was under with the exception of Albert and always gave a calm, reassuring front. Although his allies were also ready to give their life for the plan, William planned from the beginning that he will be the only one to die.

During the Final Problem, the crimes and violence he commits begin to take a strong toll on him. He is visibly dejected and loses much of his expressiveness. William cannot forgive himself for all the murder and spilled blood, prepared to die not only for the plan but out of personal wish. He continues to keep his allies from harm, giving order for them to stay behind while he carries on with the murders.

Because of his unique genius and desire to protect, William feels a certain solitude from his family and friends despite their love and support. Due to this distance between him and his allies, they're also unable to persuade William from his determination to pay with his life. In Sherlock Holmes however, he finds his equal and the one person to truly understand him. Although William was always almost solely focused on executing his plan, he found himself wishing to be friends with Sherlock and even considered throwing everything away to be with him.

In the end, Sherlock is the one to save him and show him that death is no atonement. Following this, William struggled to find his way forward and an answer on how to go about his atonement. He's quite reserved and sentimental during this period, even crying multiple times. However, William eventually realizes that one correct answer doesn't exist and that constant wavering is part of life, making an oath with Sherlock to keep living and struggling together.

William is much more determined and cheerful after coming to this conclusion, even able to fight again. Three years later Paterson and Jack also point out that he smiles more again and that his personality is closer to when he was younger. William is still resolute in atoning for his past until the end of his life.