Arthur Conan Doyle's "A Scandal in Bohemia" represents a pivotal moment in literary history, marking his inaugural foray into crafting a self-contained short story featuring a recurring character. Prior to this, Sherlock Holmes had appeared in Doyle's novels, yet it was in this short story that Holmes became integral to a format that would revolutionize detective fiction. The genius of employing a familiar character in a series of short stories becomes readily apparent: it allows the author to dive directly into the plot without needing to build character profiles from scratch each time, adhering to Edgar Allan Poe's principle that a short story should create a singular effect without superfluous detail. When characters like Holmes are well-established, readers are immediately engaged, allowing the plot to unfold more efficiently.

In "A Scandal in Bohemia," Doyle not only cemented the structural formula for his Holmes stories but also expanded on the detective's persona in a way that a standalone story could not. The episodic nature of these tales allowed the character to grow organically, providing depth and nuance over time. The narrative structure introduced in this story became a staple: it begins at Holmes's Baker Street residence with the client, where Holmes dazzles with his deductive prowess, revealing insights about the client that earn trust and admiration. This is followed by an excursion to another location, where Holmes's actions puzzle Watson and the readers alike, maintaining an air of mystery. The story culminates in a climactic "revelation scene" where both the mystery and Holmes's deductive process are laid bare.

Doyle's technique, first seen in "A Scandal in Bohemia," not only captivated readers but also set a precedent for future detective stories. Authors like Rex Stout and Ellery Queen adopted similar formulas, creating series centered around detectives who became literary icons in their own right. Doyle's method of integrating new mysteries while slowly revealing more about Holmes and Watson's characters kept the stories fresh, engaging, and immensely popular. His approach to storytelling was instrumental in establishing him as one of the most beloved authors of his era, garnering admiration from audiences across the globe. By blending familiar characters with innovative plots, Doyle's work in "A Scandal in Bohemia" laid the groundwork for a genre that continues to enthrall readers today.