James Ford, better known by the alias "Sawyer", and later as "Jim LaFleur" is a fictional character on the ABC television series Lost played by Josh Holloway. Sawyer is initially portrayed as a conniving, overly sarcastic flirt who keeps stashes of washed ashore items. His flashbacks typically depict a more sensitive side to him, juxtaposed against acts of betrayal and theft. He has a romantic interest in Kate Austen (Evangeline Lilly), which is particularly prominent in the beginning of the third season. In the fourth season he develops a more heroic side, becoming protective of Claire Littleton (Emilie de Ravin) and sacrificing his chance to escape so his friends can in the season finale. In the fifth season, Sawyer quickly acclimates to his new role as group leader and is shown to be in a serious relationship with Juliet Burke (Elizabeth Mitchell).