Raffles (character)

A.J. Raffles is a fictional character created by E.W. Hornung, who debuted in the collection of short stories The Amateur Cracksman (1899). Raffles is presented as a gentleman thief, a cricketer of renown, and a charming member of London society who secretly funds his lavish lifestyle through audacious burglaries.

Raffles stands in contrast to the then-popular image of the criminal as a figure of the lower classes. He is an educated, articulate, and outwardly respectable man who operates within the upper echelons of society, using his social standing to his advantage. His crimes are often portrayed with a certain romanticism, emphasizing his skill, daring, and perceived gentlemanly code, though the ethics of his actions are frequently called into question by his companion and chronicler, Harry "Bunny" Manders.

Bunny serves as Raffles' accomplice and narrator. He is often portrayed as morally weaker and more easily influenced by Raffles' charisma and persuasive arguments. Their relationship is complex, marked by both admiration and unease regarding Raffles' criminal activities.

The Raffles stories were highly popular at the time of their publication and continue to be relevant for their exploration of themes such as class, morality, and the nature of heroism and villainy. He is often seen as an anti-hero, pre-dating and perhaps influencing later fictional characters such as James Bond. The stories have been adapted for stage, screen, and radio, further solidifying Raffles' place in popular culture.