* Mr. Bumble: The parish beadle who oversees the workhouse where Oliver is born. Bumble is a cruel and heartless man who mistreats Oliver and the other children.
* Mrs. Mann: The matron of the workhouse. Mrs. Mann is as cruel as Bumble and enjoys punishing the children.
* Mr. Sowerberry: A coffin-maker who takes Oliver as an apprentice. Mr. Sowerberry is a harsh man who treats Oliver very badly.
* Noah Claypole: Mr. Sowerberry's apprentice. Noah is a bully who enjoys tormenting Oliver.
* Charlotte: Noah's girlfriend. Charlotte is a kind-hearted girl who takes pity on Oliver and helps him escape.
* The Artful Dodger: A young pickpocket who meets Oliver on the streets of London. The Artful Dodger takes Oliver under his wing and teaches him how to survive on the streets.
* Fagin: The leader of a gang of young pickpockets. Fagin is a cruel and greedy man who exploits Oliver and the other boys.
* Nancy: A member of Fagin's gang and Bill Sikes' lover. Nancy is a kind-hearted woman who becomes protective of Oliver and wants to help him escape.
* Bill Sikes: A violent criminal and Nancy's lover. Bill Sikes is the main antagonist of the novel and tries to kill Oliver several times.
* Mr. Brownlow: A kind-hearted gentleman who rescues Oliver from Bill Sikes and takes him in. Mr. Brownlow becomes Oliver's adoptive father and gives him a comfortable home.
People who changed Oliver's life:
* Charlotte: Charlotte shows Oliver kindness and helps him escape from Mr. Sowerberry's cruelty.
* The Artful Dodger: The Artful Dodger teaches Oliver how to survive on the streets and saves him from being arrested.
* Nancy: Nancy protects Oliver from Bill Sikes and tries to help him escape from Fagin's gang.
* Mr. Brownlow: Mr. Brownlow gives Oliver a home and teaches him how to read and write. Mr. Brownlow becomes Oliver's mentor and provides him with a family.