O is for Outlaw

A popular feature in American news coverage during the 1930's and old Western films, the outlaw has become a celebrated – and deeply romanticized – subject in both film and literature. Wanted for crimes and a fugitive from justice, outlaws can be viewed as both criminal and hero, flouting a corrupt government or oppressive society by committing unlawful deeds. 

O is for Outlaw 

Robin Hood (Too many books and movies to name) – The most famous outlaw of them all, Robin Hood is a British folk hero that's fascinated the world for centuries. He robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, lived in the forest with his true love and band of Merry Men, and flouted an corrupt system and wicked king. He is one of the most enduring characters and epic outlaws to ever grace film and literature. 

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow (Bonnie and Clyde) – The couple that that captured the interest (and wealth) of America during the Public Enemy Era, Bonnie and Clyde robbed countless banks, gas stations and stores in their three year run together. With his dark and dangerous attitude and her sassy style, not to mention the appeal of a love story between two outlaws on the lamb, Bonnie and Clyde has remained a fascinating subject for nearly eighty years. They demonstrate the age-old adage, those who rob together, stay together. At least until shot and killed by the law. 

Butch Cassidy (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) – A classic American outlaw from the Wild West, Butch Cassidy was a train and bank robber and leader of the Wild Bunch Gang. Made famous by the 1969 film chronicling his exploits and retreat to Bolivia, Butch and his partner, The Sundance Kid, are film icons, bravely charging into a swarm of armed Bolivian guards,  meeting their probable death with sarcasm and blazing guns. 

Ned Kelly (Ned Kelly) – Considered by many Australians to be a heroic figure fighting British rule in the Australian outback, Ned Kelly was born in Victoria to an Irish convict. After several scrapes with the law for cattle and horse stealing, Ned, his brother Dan, and several friends went on the run, eventually forming the Kelly Gang. Robbing banks and defying British authority, Ned and his gang are revolutionary symbols against an unwelcome outside authority. 

Simon and River Tam (Firefly) – When Simon Tam learns that his younger sister River is being abused and experimented on by members of the Alliance, he leaves his well-respected place at the Medial Academy and cushy, elite life to rescue her. Together they go on the run, hiding from Alliance agents who continue to hunt them aboard the firefly vessel, Serenity. 

And there you have it, my Top 5 favorite Outlaws. What are some of your favorites? 

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This post is part of the Blogging A through Z Challenge 2013. My theme (in case you didn't already guess) is character types and tropes. Stay tuned for the rest of the alphabet, and if you’d like to check in on the other participants, simply click here.