Jim Moriarty

Jim Moriarty is the main villian in the BBC crime drama, Sherlock. He is the worlds only consulting criminal and has lots of undercover operatives everywhere, including in the Bank of England and Pentoville Prison. He says he is the only one who beat Sherlock and he says Sherlock is just like everyone else. Moriarty shot himself in the head so Sherlock would have to kill himself. He is a lunatic and the only Irish character on the show.

Moriarty is portrayed by Irish actor, Andrew Scott.

History
James 'Jim' Moriarty (Andrew Scott) is the only "consulting criminal" in the world, a counterpoint to Sherlock's similarly unrivalled "consulting detective". He is also responsible for the criminals and crimes in all three episodes of the first series, acting as a sponsor, an informant, or a mastermind. He is shown to have an interest in Sherlock that borders on obsession, though he does not hesitate trying to kill him when he loses interest. He is a highly capable, entirely psychopathic, and extremely powerful criminal. Moriarty's primary motivation appears however to be the avoidance of boredom rather than a thirst for money or power, which is actually a very common 'problem' for psychopaths.

He is also an excellent actor, frequently shown to have convinced others that he is someone else - indeed his first appearance occurs as a gay man who Molly is dating, and Sherlock does not realise his identity at the time. In "The Great Game", Moriarty forces Sherlock to solve mysteries within a time limit, taking hostages to ensure that Sherlock is sufficiently motivated.

In the second series, he continues in his role as consulting criminal, giving Irene Adler advice on how to manipulate the "The Holmes Boys", having given them both nicknames. It is mentioned that he asked for nothing in return, becoming involved just to cause trouble, suggesting his obsessions are deepening. It is also alluded to that he might have an independent rivalry with Mycroft. He is seen briefly at the end of "The Hounds of Baskerville" apparently having been captured and in the process of being released by Mycroft.

Moriarty features extensively in "The Reichenbach Fall", simultaneously breaking into the Tower of London, HMP Pentonville and the Bank of England, being tried but acquitted after intimidating the jury, and then setting about to destroy Sherlock's reputation and ultimately force him into suicide. When Sherlock realizes there is a way out as long as Moriarty is alive, Moriarty shoots himself in the head in order to force Sherlock into committing suicide.

Relationships
Sherlock Holmes

Moriarty has an obsession with Sherlock and finds he is the only one smart enough to figure out of his game. He has played many games with Sherlocks mind and forces him to commit suicide. Jim is the opposite of Sherlock because Sherlock is a consulting Detective and Jim is a consulting criminal but Jim says they are more alike then he thinks.

Dr John Watson

John hated Jim. Jim once tried to blow John up in the season 1 finale. John never belived Jims story that Sherlock invented Moriarty and Jim was just an actor Sherlock hired to play him. John has no idea that he is responsible for Sherlocks suicide.

Irene Adler

Irene had something that Jim wanted (most likely her camera phone) and Irene changed Jim's mind about killing Sherlock and John. Jim gave information about Sherlock and Mycroft and how to manipulate them.

Trivia

 * Jims phone ringtone is 'Staying Alive' by the Beegees
 * Jim thinks him and Sherlock are the same
 * Jim is infactuated with Sherlock
 * Jim is a brilliant actor