Oliver Twist
Oliver is a sweet, naive boy with a huge heart. Oliver is an orphan who desperately wants to find love. Even when he is abused and manipulated, Oliver does not become angry or indignant. Oliver is an innocent boy who is continually thrust into negative situations, though he remains hopeful throughout his difficulties. Other pauper children in the show use rough Cockney slang, but Oliver, oddly enough, speaks in proper King’s English. Throughout the show, he discovers what love is and finds his true family.
The Artful Dodger
Dodger is described as the cleverest of Fagin's pickpocket gang. His real name is Jack Dawkins, however he goes by The Artful Dodger. Dodger isn't quite yet a man, but he dresses like a grown gentleman with a beat-up top hat. Dodger introduces Oliver to Fagin and gets him into the pickpocket gang. Dodger finds great pride in showing Oliver around London and teaching him what he knows. Dodger gives Oliver lessons in picking pockets, behaving like a gentleman, treating ladies correctly, and considering yourself at home wherever life has placed you. Dodger may live on the street, but he considers himself as a fine gentleman.
Fagin
Fagin is the leader of the pickpocket gang. He takes homeless children in and trains them to be pickpockets. He hoards his treasures that the pickpockets bring back. Fagin rarely commits crimes himself, rather he chooses to employ other people to steal for him. Fagin becomes a sort of twisted father figure to the pickpockets and shows an odd sort of misguided love for the boys. Even though Fagin raised Nancy and Bill in his gang, he has a genuine fear of Bill Sikes' power and abuse. Fagin contemplates changing his thieving lifestyle, however he ultimately decides that the risky pickpocket life is the life for him.
Bill Sikes
Bill Sikes is a professional thief who was also brought up in Fagin's pickpocket gang. Bill's relationship with Nancy is complex and strained. Nancy loves Bill and he returns that love with an odd mix of cruelty and grudging familiarity. Bill is an abusive character in the show and is feared by all, as shown by the song, "My Name". Bill's harsh demeanor has been fostered by his rough childhood growing up on the streets of London. Bill's hatred for Oliver is shown throughout the show and he tries to hurt Oliver at the end but ends up attacking Nancy who saves Oliver through her self-sacrifice. Bill dies at the end of the show.
Nancy
Nancy has grown up in Fagin's pickpocket gang and has lived off the street. She is immersed in the vices condemned by her society, but she also commits perhaps the most noble act in the story when she sacrifices her own life in order to protect Oliver. Nancy provides the only motherly figure in Oliver's life and her love for him is apparent. She is rough-edged from living on the streets, but she has a soft spot for Oliver and looks out for him. Nancy loves Bill Sikes, even though he is abusive to her. The complexity of her character is shown in her love and devotion to Bill even though he returns her affection with abuse. Nancy also shows amazing optimism and believes she has a "fine life" through it all.
Bet
Bet is Nancy's best friend who has also grown up in Fagin's pickpocket gang. She also shows compassion to Oliver and hangs out with the pickpocket gang.
Mrs. Corney
Mrs. Corney is the matron of the orphan workhouse where Oliver lives. Mrs. Corney does not show love for the orphans. Mrs. Corney eventually marries Mr. Bumble and hounds him mercilessly.
Mr. Bumble
Mr. Bumble is the overseer of the workhouse where Oliver lives. He has little compassion for the orphans under his care. Mr. Bumble becomes angry when Oliver asks for more gruel, and he sells Oliver to the undertaker, Mr. Sowerberry.
Mr. Sowerberry
Mr. Sowerberry is the undertaker who buys Oliver from Mr. Bumble as an apprentice.
Mrs. Sowerberry
Mrs. Sowerberry is the wife of the undertaker who buys Oliver as an apprentice.
Mr. Brownlow
Mr. Brownlow is a well-off, kindly gentleman who finds out that Oliver is his grandson. He is compassionate to Oliver and takes him in as his family.
Orphans
4th and 5th Graders
The Orphans live in the workhouse with Oliver. They are mistreated by Mr. Bumble and they are hungry because they don't get enough food. The orphans all dream of good food and eating until they are full.
Pickpockets
4th and 5th Graders
The pickpockets come from the streets of London and they are a part of Fagin's pickpocket gang. They've been trained to steal pocket hankies, wallets and watch chains from the rich Londoners walking down the street. They show devotion to Fagin even though he takes what they steal and keeps it for himself.