Who is Sikes in Oliver Twist?

In Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist", Bill Sikes is a violent and ruthless burglar who is a member of Fagin's criminal gang in London. He is one of the main antagonists of the story. Sikes is a brutal and hardened criminal who has little regard for human life. He is primarily driven by greed and self-interest, often disregarding the well-being of others. He is in a tumultuous and abusive relationship with his mistress, Nancy.

Sikes plays a crucial role in the plot as he is involved in several major incidents, including the attempted burglary of Mrs. Maylie's house and the murder of Nancy. His actions directly impact Oliver Twist's journey and shape his experiences throughout the novel. Despite his negative traits, Sikes is not entirely one-dimensional. He occasionally displays moments of human emotion and vulnerability, particularly towards Nancy. However, his violent nature and criminal behavior ultimately lead to his downfall.