Omar's Wisdom of Bailtimore

At first glace, Omar seems to fit the role of another ignorant thug trying to survive in the streets of Baltimore. However, as the season develops, this insight is proven false for Omar is wise in regards to street life. Omar knows the city' like the back of his hand; he knows specific corners the dealers sell on and where they rank on the hierarchy of their crew. Omar is a nightmare for dealers like Avon and Stringer because he knows their system through and through and is not afraid robbing their drugs and money. After Omar's boyfriend and partner-in-crime, Brandon, is tortured and killed, Omar is not hesitant to take vengeance upon Avon. He begins to cooperate with the police and help further build their case against Avon. McNulty believes he has convinced Omar to take Avon down through the confines of the law, however Omar knows the corruption of Baltimore will get in the way of this and takes matters into his own hands by attempting to kill Avon in a set up. Ultimately, the set up fails and Omar is shot by Wee-bey as Avon flees the scene. Omar possesses the courage to fight for something that is wrong, even if he conducts himself  immorally to do so. Avon and Stringer's business runs flawlessly only if the Baltimore citizens remain fearful of their crew's power. Thus, Omar's rebellion against the Barksdale crew serves as the stone that breaks the steel chain.