Who was the first private detective in fiction?

The first private detective in a novel was probably Auguste Dupin, created by Edgar Allan Poe.

Sherlock Holmes is undoubtedly the most iconic private detective in Victorian London private detective fiction. His sharp intellect and ability to notice minute details set him apart. There's also Miss Marple, although she is more associated with later periods, her roots can be traced back to the Victorian era in terms of the type of detective work she does. Additionally, there are some lesser - known detectives like Horace Dorrington who also had their own adventures in the Victorian London setting, dealing with the various crimes and mysteries that the era presented.

Raymond Chandler is a very well - known author in this genre. His character Philip Marlowe is an iconic private eye. Chandler's writing is known for its vivid descriptions and complex characters.

Edgar Allan Poe is often credited with writing some of the first detective fictions. His stories like 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' are considered early examples of this genre.

Well, the first female detective in fiction was Loveday Brooke. She was quite remarkable for her time. In the late 19th century when she was introduced, female characters in detective stories were rare, especially in the role of the detective. Loveday was smart, observant, and able to handle complex cases. For example, she could analyze clues and interrogate suspects just as well as any male detective of that era. Her character paved the way for more female detectives to be created in literature.

In many fictional works, private detectives play a crucial role in missing person stories. They often have unique skills like sharp observation and deduction. For example, Sherlock Holmes is a famous fictional private detective. In a missing person case, he would use his knowledge of various subjects, from footprints to cigar ashes, to piece together clues and find the missing person.

One characteristic is its focus on mystery and investigation. The stories revolve around solving crimes or uncovering secrets. Private eye detective fiction typically features a lot of suspense. The detective has to piece together clues, interview suspects, and often face danger in the process. Also, the settings are usually urban, reflecting the gritty reality of city life where crime and intrigue are common.

One of the early and notable works in female detective fiction was by Anna Katharine Green. She was an American author who is often credited with writing some of the first detective stories featuring a female detective. Her works were important in the development of detective fiction as a genre, and she was among the first to introduce a female protagonist in such stories.

Edgar Allan Poe's C. Auguste Dupin is often regarded as the first detective in crime fiction. He appeared in Poe's stories like 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' in 1841. Dupin was a brilliant and eccentric character who used his powers of deduction to solve mysterious crimes, setting the foundation for the detective genre.

Sherlock Holmes is often regarded as one of the first and most iconic names in detective fiction. Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes is known for his brilliant deductive reasoning, his unique personality quirks like his love for playing the violin and his use of drugs such as cocaine in some of the stories (which was more acceptable at the time of writing). His partnership with Dr. Watson has become a model for many detective - sidekick relationships in subsequent detective fiction.