The first written accounts of the legends of Robin Hood appeared in the thirteenth century, and they continue to be rewritten and adapted to this day. The main characters in all these stories are generally consistent, albeit with minor differences across versions.

Robin Hood

Robin of Locksley is the son of a knight in medieval England. When King Richard goes to fight in the Crusades, Prince John is placed on the throne to rule in his absence. John levies harsh taxes on the British people, and Robin’s father loses his castle as a result. Soon, Robin becomes an outlaw, fighting the injustice of Prince John’s regime. Since he often wears a cloak with a hood over his head, he is soon known as Robin Hood. He becomes famous for his skills as an archer and his practice of robbing the rich before giving the gold back to the poor. He sees Prince John, the Sheriff of Nottingham, and their henchmen as the real criminals for stealing what the people have rightfully earned. 

While there is no definitive literary source for the Robin Hood legends, there are many different versions of the character across numerous adaptations. For example, certain recent films portray Robin as having originally fought in the Crusades, whereas in Disney’s animated classic, he is portrayed as an anthropomorphic fox. In any case, the character of Robin Hood has always been known as a legendary archer, an infamous outlaw, a natural leader, and a champion of the common folk.

Little John

Originally named John Little, Little John becomes Robin Hood’s right-hand man and best friend. When they first meet, John challenges Robin to a duel with quarterstaves. After John wins, he decides to join Robin’s band of outlaws and settle with them in Sherwood Forest. Robin renames John Little as “Little John” by simply reversing John’s name; this is meant to highlight the irony that Little John is an unusually tall man. Little John accompanies Robin on most of his greatest adventures, and, in some versions, Little John is present at Robin’s tragic death.

Friar Tuck

Friar Tuck is a holy man, possibly a monk, who joins Robin Hood’s band of Merry Men after Prince John persecutes the churches of Nottingham for resisting his punitive taxes. Unlike most other friars, Friar Tuck is mostly a comical figure, known for his pithy wisdom, his use of double entendres, his jovial outlook on life, and his love of ale and beer. 

Will Scarlet

Will Scarlet is the youngest and most temperamental of the Merry Men. He received the name “Scarlet” because of his love of red silk scarves and fancy clothes, possibly a result of his aristocratic background. He is often the biggest troublemaker of the band, not necessarily because he dislikes Robin but rather because of his hot temper and sense of entitlement.

Maid Marian

In almost every version of Robin Hood, Maid Marian is Robin’s love interest. The two of them pine after each other after meeting for the first time, even though Maid Marian lives in a castle far away from Sherwood Forest. It’s not until later in these stories, after King Richard returns, that she becomes Robin’s wife.