It could be Dr. Watson, who embarks on the adventure through most of the book by himself, relating his findings to Sherlock Holmes (presumably stationed in London) via diary entries and letters.
It could be Sir Henry Baskerville, who has inherited a great fortune and responsibility in the form of Baskerville Hall and all the charitable holdings and ambitions of his uncle Sir Charles Baskerville.
Or--could it be Sherlock Holmes himself, considered to be one of the great literary characters of all time?
No--the most significant character in this story is the setting, the moorlands of Devon. The lands of Dartmoor pose threats to the villagers and add suspense to the story. Peat bogs, rocky tors, and Bronze age stone huts control the direction and tenor of this story. I've traveled to Bath twice, which is just northeast of Devonshire, and I'm sorry I missed out on visiting this Bronze age treasure. I'll put it at the top of my list for the next time.
As you read this book, you can't hep but be reminded of the movie An American Werewolf in London. "Stay on the road, keep clear of the moors." So true, so true.
Everyone should read this story, where the location becomes a formidable force in the direction of the plot.
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