Irene Adler is a fictional character from the Sherlock Holmes stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle. She first appears in the short story "A Scandal in Bohemia," published in 1891. Adler is known for her intelligence, resourcefulness, and ability to outsmart the famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. She is often referred to as "the woman" in Holmes's life, highlighting her unique status among his many cases. In the story, Irene Adler is an opera singer who becomes embroiled in a royal scandal involving the King of Bohemia. Her cleverness and determination to protect her privacy make her a memorable character, showcasing themes of gender and power in a male-dominated society.