Long John Silver
Long John Silver from Treasure Island is probably one of the most famous of all fictional pirates. With his parrot and his peg leg he is in many ways the archetypal pirate. He's so well known that he's even given his name to a quick-service seafood chain with over 1200 units worldwide.
What makes Silver so interesting is not just his physical characteristics but also his character. He's undoubtedly an evil scoundrel who will switch sides whenever it sits his purpose. Yet at the same time has an almost entrancing charisma - at one point early in the story Jack comments: "I would have gone bail for the innocence of Long John Silver". As the book continues, Jack discovers the truth about this dangerous man.
Who Is Long John Silver?
Silver is introduced into Treasure Island as a "retired" ex-pirate. He used to sail with the infamous Captain Flint, for whom he served as ship's quatermaster. It was apparently said that Silver was the only person of whom Flint was afraid. Given Flint's reputation as "the bloodthirstiest buccaneer that sailed" that tells you a lot about Silver!Long John Silver has a peg leg which he claimed he "lost it in his country's service, under the immortal Hawke". In reality he lost the leg on board Flint's ship, during the same battle in which "old Pew lost his deadlights". This is one of the lies that Silver uses to trick his way onto the Treasure Island expedition as ship's cook.
Silver wants Flint's treasure for himself and attempts to organise a mutiny on board the ship - which is only foiled by Jim who overhears his scheming.
The Parrot
The pirate's parrot has become a standard part of the fictional pirate image - no self respecting pirate novel or movie today would be without one!Silver's parrot is called Flint, after the old captain. This we can assume was not intended as a mark of respect! The bird squawks out "Pieces of Eight" incessantly.
Adventures
In the 1950s actor Robert Newton starred as Long John Silver in vintage TV show. In this series he is a reformed character - sort of. Some of the episodes from the series are available on DVD to buy online.