A skelton persona is a character type often portrayed in literature and film. It is typically a HOBO, a homeless person who travels from place to place, often with no fixed home or job. The term 'HOBO' comes from the English word 'homeless bohemian', which was first used in the late 19th century. The HOBO is usually depicted as a loner, living on the fringes of society and relying on their wits to survive.