Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Living… in London, among the upper echelons of society. Though they won't admit it, many of London's elite have rubbed elbows – and much more – with Miss Adler.
Profession… professional dominatrix. Irene is very, very good at her job, and she charges accordingly. Only the wealthiest clients can afford her services, which gives Irene special access to some of London's most powerful citizens.
Interests… sex, money, and power, preferably at the same time. If she had to choose, though, Irene would probably choose “power.” She might be paid for her skills at bondage, but games of manipulation are Irene's real forte.
Relationship Status… single, for now. Being a professional sex worker means that emotions are often more of a hassle that they'll worth, though that doesn't mean Irene can't enjoy the rest of her job. Though she claims to be gay, Irene's interest in Sherlock seems to peg her as more of a sapiosexual – as she puts it, "brainy is the new sexy."
Challenge… successfully playing Sherlock Holmes. When Irene sends the royal family compromising pictures, Mycroft Holmes sends his little brother Sherlock to take her phone. Irene, however, is far more used to playing others than being played, and she has bigger plans for the Holmes brothers. Far from finding Sherlock's skills intimidating, Irene considers them a nice challenge. She appreciatively notes, "He's good, isn't he? I should have him on a leash. In fact, I might."
Personality… intelligent, manipulative, and deeply cynical. In Irene's world, there are people who are used and then there are people who use others; you're either one or the other. As a result, Irene is a girl devoted to her own self-interest, and she's willing to use any asset at her disposal, from her brains to her body.