* Sherlock Holmes: The brilliant detective who investigates the case.
* Dr. John H. Watson: Holmes' faithful companion and narrator of the story.
* Irene Adler: The "woman" of the title, a cunning and independent woman who becomes Holmes' only rival.
* King of Bohemia: The client who hires Holmes to retrieve a compromising photograph of him and Irene Adler.
There are also several minor characters involved, including:
* The King's Minister: The person who brings the King's case to Holmes.
* The King's Servants: The servants who help Holmes with his investigation.
* The Police: The authorities who are initially involved in the case.
* The Landlord: The owner of the building where Irene Adler lives.
While "A Scandal in Bohemia" is a relatively short story, it's filled with intriguing characters and complex relationships. The story's focus on Irene Adler, a woman who outwits Holmes, is a significant departure from the usual "detective vs. criminal" plot and has made it a classic of the genre.