 The characters and basic structure of the series were inspired by  the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. The character name "Adrian Monk" was  intended to be unusual like that of Sherlock Holmes. Other  characters correspond to Holmes characters: Sharona Fleming (a  nurse) and Dr. Watson; Capt. Stottlemeyer and Inspector Lestrade;  and Monks brother Ambrose and Mycroft Holmes (Sherlocks brother).