Archie Goodwin

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Archie Goodwin is a fictional character in a series of detective stories and novels by Rex Stout. He is the witty and resourceful assistant to the brilliant but eccentric detective Nero Wolfe. Goodwin serves as the narrator for the majority of the stories, providing a unique perspective on the cases they solve together.

Character Overview

Archie Goodwin is portrayed as a sharp, street-smart, and charming private investigator. He is the right-hand man of Nero Wolfe, handling the legwork and field investigations that Wolfe, who is famously sedentary, cannot perform himself. Goodwin's narrative style is characterized by his humor, keen observations, and a knack for capturing the essence of the people and situations he encounters.

Role in the Nero Wolfe Series

Archie Goodwin first appears in the novel Fer-de-Lance (1934), which introduces him as Wolfe's indispensable assistant. Throughout the series, Goodwin's role is crucial; he gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and often finds himself in dangerous situations. His relationship with Wolfe is complex, marked by mutual respect and occasional friction.

Goodwin's skills complement Wolfe's intellectual prowess. While Wolfe relies on his deductive abilities and vast knowledge, Goodwin provides the physical presence and social acumen necessary to solve cases. This dynamic partnership is a central theme in the series.

Personality and Traits

Archie Goodwin is known for his quick wit and charm. He is often described as handsome and is popular with women, though his romantic entanglements are usually secondary to his professional duties. Goodwin is also characterized by his loyalty to Wolfe, despite their frequent disagreements.

He is a keen observer and an excellent judge of character, which aids him in his investigative work. Goodwin's narrative voice is engaging and often humorous, providing readers with an entertaining and insightful view of the detective world.

Influence and Legacy

Archie Goodwin has become an iconic character in detective fiction. His role as the "legman" for Nero Wolfe has influenced many subsequent detective stories, where the main detective is paired with a more active assistant. Goodwin's character has been portrayed in various adaptations, including radio, television, and film.

Adaptations

Archie Goodwin has been portrayed by several actors in different media. Notable portrayals include Timothy Hutton in the A&E Network television series A Nero Wolfe Mystery (2001–2002). Each adaptation brings a unique interpretation to Goodwin's character, highlighting different aspects of his personality and relationship with Wolfe.

Bibliography

Archie Goodwin appears in all of the Nero Wolfe novels and stories written by Rex Stout. Some of the most notable works include:

• Fer-de-Lance (1934)
• The League of Frightened Men (1935)
• Too Many Cooks (1938)
• The Doorbell Rang (1965)
• A Family Affair (1975)

See Also

• Nero Wolfe
• Rex Stout
• Detective fiction

References

• Stout, Rex. Fer-de-Lance. New York: Farrar & Rinehart, 1934.
• McAleer, John. Rex Stout: A Biography. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1977.

External Links

• The Wolfe Pack: The Official Nero Wolfe Society