| A. J. Raffles | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
Arthur J. Raffles |
|
First Appearance |
The Ides of March (1898) |
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Original Publisher |
Cassell & Co |
|
Created by |
E. W. Hornung |
Origin[]
Arthur J. Raffles, or just "Raffles" for short, is the central character in the series of novels written by E. W. Hornung, known as the "Raffles" series. He is portrayed as a charismatic, intelligent, and daring gentleman thief, often described as a "cracksman" who embodies both the allure of the criminal lifestyle and the charm of a Victorian gentleman.
Physically, Raffles is typically depicted as tall, athletic, and handsomely clean-shaven (he shaved off his old mustach in an effort to allude the authorities), with a charming smile and keen blue eyes that betray his sharp intellect. He moves through high society with ease, blending in effortlessly while secretly plotting his next heist in advance. Raffles is known for his impeccable taste in fashion and his ability to maintain a sophisticated façade despite his criminal activities.
He leads a double life at the exclusive Albany in London, where he often plays amateur cricket with the Gentlemen of England and earns his keep by conducting cunning thefts. Just as Sherlock Holmes had Watson to write about his exploits, Raffles has Harry "Bunny" Manders, a former classmate whom Raffles convinced to join him on a burglary after saving him from shame. He is both admired for his daring exploits but also condemned for his criminal behavior.
Despite his criminal exploits, Raffles adheres to a strict code of honor and conducts himself with a sense of morality that sets him apart from other criminals. He often justifies his actions by targeting individuals whom he perceives as deserving of punishment, such as corrupt businessmen or dishonest public figures.
In later stories, Raffles's look is noticeably older due to his struggles overseas in WWI. In addition to seeming weaker, his face is more pale and wrinkled than before, and his hair has gone entirely white. However, he is still described as being just as handsome as before.
Skills and Abilities[]
Raffles is a master of disguise and deception, using his wit and charm to outsmart his adversaries and evade capture. In addition to being skilled in using burglary equipment like hand drills and skeleton keys, Raffles also utilizes his own set of inventions like a concealed rope ladder beneath his waistcoat - hooked up with a telescopic walking-stick - and a velvet bag designed to silence the sound of filing a skeleton key. However, he is not immune to moments of vulnerability or self-doubt, particularly when his actions endanger those he cares about or when he is faced with the consequences of his crimes.He is also capable of improvising when the need arises.
Raffles is also skilled as a cricketer and at bowling, often overlapping with his skills as a thief.
Public Domain Appearances[]
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- The Amateur Cracksman (1899)
- The Ides of March
- A Costume Piece
- Gentlemen and Players
- Le Premier Pas
- Wilful Murder
- Nine Points of the Law
- The Return Match
- The Gift of the Emperor
- The Black Mask (1901)
- No Sinecure
- A Jubilee Present
- The Fate of Faustina
- The Last Laugh
- To Catch a Thief
- An Old Flame
- The Wrong House
- The Knees of the Gods
- A Thief in the Night (1905)
- Out of Paradise
- The Chest of Silver
- The Rest Cure
- The Criminologists' Club
- The Field of Philippi
- A Bad Night
- A Trap to Catch a Cracksman
- The Spoils of Sacrilege
- The Raffles Relics
- The Last Word
- Mr. Justice Raffles (1909)
Public Domain Pastiche Appearances[]
- R. Holmes & Co. (1906) - Centered on the son of Sherlock Holmes and Raffles' daughter Marjorie, Raffles Holmes.
- The Adventure of the 'Mona Lisa' (1912) (parody)
- Sure Way to Catch Every Criminal. Ha! Ha! (1912) (parody)
- The Adventure of the Lost Baby (1913) (parody)
- The Adventure of the Clothes-line (1915) (parody)
Public Domain Film Appearances[]
- The Van Nostrand Tiara (1913)
- Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman (1917)
- Mr. Justice Raffles (1921)
- Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman (1925)