Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes is arguably one of the famous literary characters ever created.  Widely hailed as the World's Greatest Detective (before Batman was given that title), he acts as an unofficial consultant to both the police and private individuals.  While his methods may cause some consternation and frustration, there is no question that, through them, he almost always reaches the correct conclusion.  These solutions - and the steps taken to reach them - are often astonishing to onlookers, but for him, they are "quite elementary".

(Note:  While Basil Rathbone is credited for The Great Mouse Detective, his audio was taken from a 1966 recording of The Red-Headed League, and is therefore inadmissible.  However, he is certainly here in spirit, as the majority are clearly doing their best Rathbone emulation.)