Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens masterfully explores themes of poverty and social injustice through vivid characters and a gripping narrative. Praised for its emotional depth and social commentary, some readers find the plot meandering and certain characters overly sentimental. Despite minor criticisms, it remains a powerful and influential work.

A reader who enjoys Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens likely appreciates classic literature with rich, historical settings and vivid character portrayals. Fans of social commentary and coming-of-age themes, similar to those in Les Misérables by Victor Hugo or Great Expectations by Dickens himself, will find this novel compelling.

Oliver Twist follows the life of Oliver, an orphan who endures neglect and abuse in various workhouses before escaping to London where he falls in with a gang of young pickpockets led by the criminal Fagin. Oliver's misadventures lead him to the benevolent Mr. Brownlow, who tries to help uncover his true identity, while villainous figures scheme against him. Explores abuse, murder, and crime.

Dark / Gritty / Emotional / Mysterious / Bittersweet

- Oliver Twist was originally published as a serial in 1837, making it one of the first novels to be released in this format, with readers eagerly anticipating each monthly installment in the periodical Bentley's Miscellany.
- The character of Fagin in Oliver Twist was partly inspired by Ikey Solomon, a real-life Jewish criminal and receiver of stolen goods in early 19th-century London, whom Dickens had read about.
- Charles Dickens began writing Oliver Twist at the young age of 24, and it became one of his first major successes, cementing his reputation as a leading novelist of the Victorian era.

**Oliver Twist**  
A small and fair orphan who embodies innocence and embarks on various adventures and trials in 19th-century London. He is eventually adopted by Mr. Brownlow.  

**Mr. Brownlow**  
A kindly old gentleman who shows compassion to Oliver after a misunderstanding and later plays a significant role in his life.  

**Mrs. Bedwin**  
Mr. Brownlow’s kind-hearted servant who cares for Oliver during his illness and believes in his goodness.  

**Mr. Grimwig**  
Mr. Brownlow’s contrary but secretly fond friend who assiduously visits Brownlow, the Maylies, and Oliver.  

**Mrs. Maylie**  
A strong-willed, kind old widow who adopts Rose and supports her marriage decisions.  

**Rose Maylie**  
A grace-filled, kind young woman who is revealed to have a familial connection to Oliver and later marries Harry Maylie.  

**Harry Maylie**  
Mrs. Maylie’s son who gives up a promising career for a humble life to marry Rose.  

**Mr. Giles**  
A servant of Mrs. Maylie who initially harms Oliver but later becomes fond of him and is loyal to the Maylies.  

**Mr. Losberne**  
A rash doctor and close friend to Mrs. Maylie who assists the Maylies and helps uncover the truth about Oliver.  

**Mr. Bumble**  
The parochial beadle who delights in exerting power over those in lower social standing within the workhouse system.  

**Mrs. Bumble/Mrs. Corney**  
The controlling matron of the workhouse who alongside Mr. Bumble, ends up with a downfall.  

**Old Sally**  
A pauper who assists at Oliver’s birth and makes questionable choices that affect Oliver’s early life.  

**Edward Leeford**  
A man of conflicted family ties whose legacy and undisclosed romance with Agnes Fleming are central to Oliver's past.  

**Agnes Fleming**  
Oliver's deceased mother known for her tragic love affair and the struggles surrounding her child’s birth.  

**Monks**  
A sinister figure with a personal vendetta against Oliver tied to his familial background.  

**Fagin**  
An elderly man who recruits children for criminal activities and has a significant influence on Oliver's experiences.  

**Nancy**  
A complex member of Fagin’s gang who faces internal conflict and attempts to protect those she cares for.  

**Bill Sikes**  
A violent career criminal and member of Fagin's gang known for his fearsome reputation.  

**Noah Claypole**  
A bully from Oliver's past who eventually resorts to exploiting others for gains in London.  

**Charlotte**  
A housekeeper who follows her love interest, Noah, to London after their apprenticeship.  

**Jack Dawkins/The Artful Dodger**  
A skillful young pickpocket and prominent member of Fagin's gang, known for his distinctive appearance and savvy.  

**Charley Bates**  
A jovial member of Fagin's gang whose fate changes after experiencing a pivotal event.  

**Toby Crackit**  
An accomplice in robberies who employs manipulation to achieve his criminal objectives.  

**Tom Chitling**  
A young member of Fagin's gang with a romantic interest in Betsy and a criminal background.  

**Betsy**  
One of Fagin’s pickpockets who becomes entangled with the law alongside Fagin.  

**Mrs. Mann**  
The headmistress of the workhouse where Oliver stays, known for her mismanagement and neglect of orphans.  

**Mr. Fang**  
A rash magistrate responsible for presiding over Oliver’s trial for pickpocketing.  

**Mr. Sowerberry**  
An undertaker who employs Oliver as a child mourner, exposing him to grave circumstances.  

**Mrs. Sowerberry**  
The undertaker’s unsympathetic wife who treats Oliver harshly during his apprenticeship.

Charles Dickens

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore Oliver Twist reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Oliver Twist | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Oliver Twist and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Oliver Twist Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Oliver Twist Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Oliver Twist Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Oliver Twist Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

Oliver Twist Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-25

Oliver Twist Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-30

Oliver Twist Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-35

Oliver Twist Chapters 31-35 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 36-40

Oliver Twist Chapters 36-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-45

Oliver Twist Chapters 41-45 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 46-50

Oliver Twist Chapters 46-50 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 51-53

Oliver Twist Chapters 51-53 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Oliver Twist Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Oliver Twist Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Oliver Twist Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

25 Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens Quotes Explained

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Oliver Twist Essay Topics

Oliver Twist Teaching Materials

Quiz

Oliver Twist Quiz

How to use

Oliver Twist How to use

Pre-Reading Context

Oliver Twist Pre-Reading Context

Thought & Response Prompts

Oliver Twist Thought & Response Prompts

Paired Texts & Other Resources

Oliver Twist Paired Texts & Other Resources

Activities

Oliver Twist Activities

Essay Questions

Oliver Twist Essay Questions

Oliver Twist

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Oliver Twist?

Reading Age

Book Details