Character Profiles:
Billy Burke
At just sixteen, Billy Burke acts well beyond his years, being a fully formed criminal however, this does not mean he is deep down necessarily born to be a criminal. A sort of 21st century Robin Hood, Billy Burke reflects the harsh environment in which he was raised and demonstrates his will to survive despite the adversities he faces by being incredibly street smart but also by respecting his victims. This is why he is referred to as “The Gentleman Thief” by the police and why he does not use any sort of violence and does not harm any citizens.
William Burke, continued to work as a sneak thief in the United States and Europe, before his death in 1919 at sixty-one.
William James Burke, pictured here in a mugshot, taken in Stockholm, Sweden in the year 1911!
Despite this and despite Billy Burke's moral contradictions to his actions, he still does steal and pickpockets many. Consequently, the police are on his tail and Billy Burke is faced with many run-ins with police. However, being the great-grandson of two of America's most infamous criminals (his namesake Billy Burke and Sophie Lyons) the question is whether he will channel his ancestors spirit and skill and escape the difficult situation he has found himself in.
Sophie Lyons (1847-1924) one of the United States' most sought after female thieves, she married Billy Burke in the 1890s, and together they were wanted in major cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit and Montreal. She eventually put a stop to her criminal activities, and in 1913 released her autobiography, Why Crime Does Not Pay.
Officer Tom Byrnes
Tom Byrnes is the descendant of the famous detective Thomas Byrnes, a great detective with policing techniques that transformed the way the police were able to capture criminals in 19th century New York City. Tom Byrnes, is held back by his policing team however, this does not stop him realising his potential and he is able to come up with very efficient although perhaps too efficient techniques, to not only catch the criminals but humiliate them.
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