The series is about Paul Kersey (played by Charles Bronson). Kersey kills criminals, including gangsters, drug dealers, murderers, and rapists. He kills them either because he is hired to do so by another person or for revenge. His wife, daughter, and some of his friends were killed by criminals. Their death made Kersey want to kill criminals. Many cops think that he is a criminal. Others think that he's helping. The movies are set in either New York City or Los Angeles. The entire series lasted for twenty years. Bronson played Kersey in all five movies.