We can all relate to Sherlock and his battle with self reflection. Sherlock propels himself into his work and lets his isolation consumes any effort for human connection. Addiction is used as a constant theme and a reminder that one's demons can destroy the very foundation of our own humanity. There are three main points that make Sherlock a dynamic character and allows the audience to connect to him on a more personal level.

1. Friendship

Throughout the series, Sherlock keeps his past shrouded in mystery. His deflection to hide his true emotional attachments and avoids the idea of opening up. He believed that it was relevant in protection for his feelings and his focus on his work. The isolation provided a safety net for himself, and the "death" of Irene justified his decision.

We see this transformation of trust and vulnerability from Sherlock, when he meets Joan. This human connection helps the audience connect to Sherlock and understand the human aspect of his personality. He went from loathing everyone's existence, to truly accepting a friend into his world.

2. Loss

Sherlock's transformation between seasons 1-5, is physical, emotional, and psychological loss. He loses many components in his life that have acted like anchors to his reality. Friends, lovers, strong influences to his very core values. The seasons show a slow, consistent, fading of his mind.

He is very intelligent, but is constantly bombarded with death, missed connections, and the trauma of losing one's mind. These worldly reminders are evident to his own humanity and how it has influenced his character. He is plagued with death, but continues to uphold his duty to solving murders. This displays how much he can take and his willingness to help others. Even if it cost him everything in return.

3. Addiction

Addiction is an interesting monster to handle. It bears its nasty fangs when we don't tame, it corners us with withdrawals and belittles our humanity. We succumb to its demands and we are branded with the name, "addicts". The brand is seen in society as troubled, outsider, different, and a loss cause. Sherlock defies these adjectives and still helps people. We see this act of courage and understand that we all suffer from some form of addiction. The addiction that quickens our pulse and drives the branding stick deep into our hearts, can be tamed.

Addiction can be fought back and a process can be found to balance one's humanity. Sherlock shows us a way to succeed in a world where so many our enslaved by addiction.

Sherlock is an extremely interesting character by design. He is clever, observant, and witty in his his views in life. He has the most stunning characteristics that involve his value to his friends, perseverance at the face of loss, and facing one's demons. These human acts of bravery can be traced throughout human nature and the fandom. He is fictional by design and given life, in the most elementary of ways.