A nine-year-old orphan raised in the harsh conditions of a parish child farm. He is pale and thin from years of systematic starvation and physical abuse at the hands of local authorities. Despite this lifelong mistreatment, he maintains a gentle spirit and an inherent innocence that resists the corrupting influences of the London streets. He desperately desires love and stability, remaining empathetic to the suffering of others.

A wealthy, elderly gentleman residing in London. He possesses a compassionate nature that contrasts sharply with the cruel authorities Oliver previously encountered. He is observant and willing to give others the benefit of the doubt, intervening to protect a sick child whom the justice system would otherwise lock away. He notices a familiar resemblance in Oliver's face that prompts him to investigate the boy's past.

A beautiful, sweet-natured young woman adopted by Mrs. Maylie. She is the epitome of grace and kindness, demonstrating profound empathy for the less fortunate. Her mysterious origins make her hesitant to pursue her own happiness, fearing her unknown background might bring shame to those she loves.

A pompous, self-important parochial beadle who oversees the parish workhouses. He delights in his meager authority, viewing the impoverished people under his care not as human beings, but as greedy burdens on the parish purse. He is hypocritical, easily flattered by women with property, and prone to bullying anyone weaker than himself.

A sinister, paranoid young man prone to violent seizures and fits of rage. He operates in the shadows, coordinating with London's criminal underworld for mysterious reasons related to his intense hatred of Oliver. He goes to great lengths to destroy any evidence related to the boy's past.

An old, miserly criminal mastermind who recruits homeless boys and trains them as pickpockets. He uses a facade of fatherly affection to control his young thieves, hoarding his wealth in a hidden floorboard box while keeping his dependents in poverty. He manipulates those around him with a mix of false charm and thinly veiled threats.

A young woman entrenched in Fagin's criminal network, having grown up on the streets under his influence. Despite her rough exterior and participation in kidnappings, she retains a spark of moral conscience. Her sympathy for Oliver puts her in direct conflict with her unshakeable devotion to the violent men in her life.

A brutal, hardened career criminal and housebreaker who partners with Fagin. He is prone to explosive violence, controls those around him through physical intimidation, and shows no regard for human or animal life. He uses fear to bend others to his will and resents anyone who threatens his freedom.

A gentle, motherly housekeeper working for Mr. Brownlow. She is deeply affectionate and immediately takes a liking to Oliver, providing him with his first experience of genuine maternal care. She has bad eyesight but a very clear sense of right and wrong, refusing to believe negative rumors about the boy.

A gruff, contrary gentleman who prides himself on disagreeing with everyone. He is highly suspicious of strangers and initially doubts Oliver's innocence, expecting the boy to steal from Mr. Brownlow. Despite his outward cynicism, he harbors a warm heart beneath his prickly exterior.

A wealthy, respectable widow who lives a quiet life in the country. She is compassionate and generous, exhibiting a strong moral compass. When confronted with a wounded child thief, she chooses to offer shelter and medical care rather than calling the authorities.

Mrs. Maylie's son, a young gentleman of about twenty-five with promising political and social prospects. He is passionate and devoted, willing to abandon his uncle's inheritance and his standing in high society to pursue a quiet life with the woman he loves.

The butler and steward of Mrs. Maylie's household. He fancies himself a brave protector of the estate, though his bluster often masks a more timid reality. He takes pride in having fired a pistol at a burglar, only to become distressed when he realizes his target was a small child.

The local doctor, known for his rash and hot-tempered personality. He acts quickly on his emotions, frequently charging into situations without a plan, but possesses a fundamentally good heart. He uses his quick wits to outsmart the police and protect Oliver from arrest.

The callous matron of the workhouse. She is greedy, unsympathetic, and highly protective of her own comfort. She views the sick and dying individuals in her care as mere inconveniences to her daily routine. She possesses a sharp temper and proves to be far more dominant than her suitor expects.

An elderly pauper who served as a nurse during Oliver's birth. She carries a dark secret from her past regarding a theft she committed against a dying young mother. Her final confession sets off a chain of events regarding Oliver's identity.

A deceased gentleman whose complicated history connects to the present mysteries. He was forced into an unhappy early marriage for financial reasons before falling in love elsewhere. He died in Rome before he could secure the future of the woman he loved.

A young, beautiful, unwed woman at the story's start who gives birth to Oliver before passing away. Her mysterious origins, represented by a stolen gold locket, cast a long shadow over the events of the novel.

A cowardly, spiteful charity boy who works for Mr. Sowerberry. Having previously been at the bottom of the social hierarchy, he eagerly seizes the opportunity to bully and demean the newly arrived Oliver. When forced to fend for himself, he gravitates toward petty crime that carries minimal physical risk.

A coarse housemaid working for the Sowerberry family. She dotes heavily on Noah Claypole and willingly participates in his cruel treatment of Oliver. She is easily manipulated by Noah's demands.

A street-smart, swaggering young pickpocket who acts far older than his years. Dressed in oversized adult clothes, he serves as Fagin's most skilled thief and principal recruiter of new boys. He operates with a professional pride in his criminal abilities.

A lively, boisterous young member of Fagin's gang. He treats a life of crime as an endless source of amusement and idolizes the Artful Dodger's criminal prowess. He lacks the maliciousness of Fagin or Sikes, viewing their illicit activities as an ongoing game.

An eccentric, flashily dressed criminal associate of Bill Sikes. He specializes in breaking into houses, often by manipulating or seducing servants to gain entry before the actual robbery takes place.

An eighteen-year-old, dim-witted member of Fagin's gang. He is fiercely loyal to the criminal operation and deeply infatuated with one of the young women in their circle, making him an easy target for teasing by the younger boys.

A young woman involved in Fagin's criminal enterprise. Like Nancy, she operates within the London underworld and associates closely with the young thieves, participating in the gang's social and criminal activities.

The deceitful, miserly head of the parish child farm where Oliver spends his early years. She systematically starves the orphans in her care while pocketing the government stipend intended for their upbringing, keeping up a facade of matronly care only when inspectors visit.

An irascible, domineering police magistrate. He dispenses justice with impatience and cruelty, refusing to listen to evidence and treating all defendants, witnesses, and victims with blatant hostility.

The parish undertaker who takes Oliver on as an apprentice. He sees a grim commercial value in Oliver's inherent melancholy, planning to use the boy as a professional mute at children's funerals to increase his profits.

The undertaker's vicious, sharp-tongued wife. She despises Oliver on sight, forcing him to eat discarded dog scraps and instigating severe physical punishments against him. She resents any resources spent on the parish boy.