Class Showcase: Rogues

It’s week nine of my Class Showcase series, where I take a class from D&D and give three examples from popular culture. This week: Rogues.

#1 Arya Stark (Game of Thrones, Television Series)

Here we have the beginnings of what I believe to be an Assassin build. As Arya’s story continues to unfold we see her becoming more and more skilled, in control of her emotions, and making the most out of her opportunities which are usually hard won. Her ability to slip into and out of tough situations as well as her willingness to do anything (even kill) when necessary, speaks volumes about the path that she is walking. Regardless of her ultimate fate, I look forward to the day when she reaps the countless promises of revenge she has planted. That is assuming that she lives long enough. 

(She is a Stark after all! lol)

#2 Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit)

Mr. Baggins is the original fantasy burglar and the character who has, in my opinion, shaped the way we view both rogues and halflings alike right up to the present day. Although much of Bilbo’s “skill” in sneaking and hiding seems to come from his use of the One Ring, it cannot be denied that during the course of The Hobbit he proves his natural ability is up to accomplishing many tasks. The most telltale moment for me, which defines Blibo as a rogue, is the scene between himself and Smaug. Darting around in the treasure room and under the pressure of staring an ancient dragon in the face, Bilbo still manages to discover the weakness of the dragon and the Arkenstone.       

#3 Catwoman (DC Comics)

Since her first appearance in Batman #1 in 1940, no other adversary has had such a love-hate relationship with old Batty. And, despite the fact that she has been portrayed in countless ways by hundreds of artists and actresses over the years, she is fundamentally a rogue in all of them. It is also important to note that in many of her incarnations she is considered to be not only one of the best thieves in the world but is usually stealing items to benefit others and not herself (like a female Robin Hood, with a whip). A fact that is not missed by Batman as he often tries to reform her rather than send her to prison. Regardless, her rooftop work, impressive dexterity, her ability to sneak/hide, and get into and out of high security areas undetected make her one of the best rogues in all of the DC Comic Universe.