| The Saint | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
Simon Templar |
|
First Appearance |
Meet the Tiger (1928) |
|
Original Publisher |
Ward Lock |
|
Created by |
Leslie Charteris |
Origin[]
Simon Templar, secretly known as The Saint, is a charismatic and enigmatic adventurer, depicted as a suave, resourceful, and morally ambiguous anti-hero who operates outside the law but with a strict code of honor. He is independently wealthy and accompanied by his manservant named Orace.
Physically, Simon Templar is described as tall, with an athletic build and striking features that exude confidence and charm. His trademark accessory is a thin, black mustache, which adds to his debonair persona. Templar's appearance often belies his cunning and intelligence, allowing him to blend seamlessly into any social setting.
Templar's character is defined by his wit, sharp intellect, and his unwavering commitment to justice, albeit through unconventional means. He is a master of disguise and deception, using his cunning to outwit adversaries and manipulate situations to his advantage. His ability to think quickly on his feet and adapt to changing circumstances makes him a formidable opponent to those who oppose him.
Despite his roguish tendencies, Templar also demonstrates a sense of compassion and empathy towards the innocent and downtrodden. He is willing to risk his own safety to protect others and stands up against injustice wherever he encounters it.
His allies and associates include Patricia Holm, a young lady sharing many of his saintly values and love for thrills. When Templar is believed to be dead, Holm decides to continue following his plan to foil the mysterious individual known only as "The Tiger".
Public Domain Appearances[]
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- Meet the Tiger (1928)
Public Domain Comic Appearances[]
- The Saint #1-10
- Silver Streak Comics #18-21
Notes[]
- Leslie Charteris's The Saint series connects to his earlier novels: X Esquire (1927), The White Rider (1928), and Daredevil (1929), through recurring characters. Bill Kennedy, already "one of the Big Four of Scotland Yard" in X Esquire, stars in the first two books and reappears as Assistant Commissioner in Daredevil. Terry Mannering, also from X Esquire, returns in Daredevil and is mentioned in Meet the Tiger (1928), the first novel featuring Simon Templar. Inspector Claud Eustace Teal debuts in Daredevil and becomes a central figure in the Saint series.
- Daredevil followed the exploits of Christopher "Storm" Arden, described as "the fighting daredevil". The character featured many elements that would later be incorporated into The Saint (including the car he drove, a Hirondel, of the type later used by Simon Templar in the early Saint novels and stories).
- Avon re-printed and re-named some stories of Simon Templar as Michael Strong.