* "Thieves" is a broad term. It can refer to everything from small-time pickpockets to organized crime syndicates. Each group would have a different leadership structure.
* Historical context matters. Leadership styles and titles change across time and cultures.
* Fiction often exaggerates. Stories and literature might portray thieves with more dramatic or romanticized leadership roles than existed in reality.
However, here are some possible leadership types that might have existed among thieves:
* The "Big Boss": In organized crime, a powerful figure might be the ultimate leader, making decisions and distributing profits. This could be a "godfather" type figure.
* The "Fence": Someone who acts as a middleman, buying stolen goods and selling them on. This person could be influential, controlling the flow of stolen property.
* The "Mastermind": A cunning strategist who plans complex heists and manages teams of specialists.
* The "Charismatic Leader": A figure who inspires loyalty and dedication through personality, promises of wealth, or shared ideals.
* The "Council of Elders": A group of experienced thieves who make collective decisions and maintain order.
Ultimately, the specific type of leader among thieves would depend heavily on the specific group, the era, and the culture they existed in.