Who Inspector Lestrade is
Inspector Lestrade investigates the death of an American found in an empty London house. He is proud of his methods, yet his reading of the clues differs from Holmes's.
What Inspector Lestrade wants
Lestrade wants a quick solution, and the writing on the wall gives him a theory. He believes someone begins writing the name Rachel but is interrupted before completing it. Holmes explains that the word is German for revenge and warns against searching for a woman named Rachel.
Inspector Lestrade and the others in the story
Tobias Gregson is Lestrade's fellow Scotland Yard detective, but the two men distrust each other. Each takes pride in his own approach and believes he can find the answer.
Holmes offers a contrast to Lestrade by building his conclusions from small physical details. Their different approaches invite the reader to weigh an attractive theory against the evidence supporting it.
Questions
Who is Inspector Lestrade?
Inspector Lestrade is one of the Scotland Yard detectives investigating the death in the empty house.
What does Lestrade think the writing means?
He thinks it is the unfinished name Rachel, rather than a German word meaning revenge.
Is Lestrade a rival of Tobias Gregson?
Yes, Lestrade and Gregson are rivals who distrust one another and take pride in their own methods.