Fagin is a colourful creature of the criminal underworld with his swag and treasure chest and his small army of pickpockets. His role in the novel appears to be to expose the questionable character and the corruption to which poverty can bring a man. Throughout the novel Fagin is constantly referred to as the "Jew" but little else is known about him. Fagin is a mysterious figure in the novel; although he appears to be quite terrifying on first encounter, there is further depth to his character, suggesting a more kindly nature at heart.

This can be seen by his almost fatherly attitude towards 'his' boys, and the fact that he feeds and houses them. Fagin remains a compelling but ambiguous character who has been interpreted in many very different ways.

Despite being part of a world of criminals, Nancy is a person who cares deeply for those surrounding her, especially Oliver and Bill and, like Oliver, is prepared to put herself at risk for others. Nancy's death in the end is, in a way, the only thing that saves her as it puts an end to continual physical abuse and allows her to escape a society which is constantly condemning her.