Who is The Ruffler from The Prince and the Pauper and what is their importance?

The Ruffler is a gang leader. John Canty joins Ruffler's gang after he kills Father Andrew. The Ruffler displays a warped sense of honor, as he prizes the skills and bravery of his gang of thieves and beggars. When Edward refuses to be a beggar in the gang, the Ruffler "promotes" him to a thief. The Ruffler is described as having leadership abilities and cunning, which make him likeable.