Oliver Twist · Character

The Artful Dodger

A sharp-witted street boy in a too-large coat and a cocked hat, whose easy confidence and quick fingers make him the perfect recruiter for Fagin's trade.

supporting

Also known as Dodger, Jack Dawkins, John Dawkins, Mr. Dawkins

First appearance: Oliver Walks to London. He Encounters on the Road a Strange Sort of Young Gentleman

As a supporting figure in Oliver Twist, The Artful Dodger is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The Dodger encounters Oliver in Barnet, offers him food and lodging, and leads him to Fagin's house, introducing him as 'my friend Oliver Twist.'

In the storyOliver Walks to London. He Encounters on the Road a Strange Sort of Young GentlemanOpen this moment free

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The Dodger moves through London's streets with the swagger of a man twice his age, sizing up marks and speaking in a slang that marks him as native to the underworld. He is the one who plucks Oliver from the road and delivers him to Fagin, offering food and shelter with a grin that hides the trap. His worldly competence and Oliver's bewildered innocence collide in the novel's central seduction scene, where the boy's charm is the gang's most effective lure.

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See The Artful Dodger in Oliver Walks to London. He Encounters on the Road a Strange Sort of Young Gentleman

Character Web

15 connections

A slice of how The Artful Dodger sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Fagin's criminal gang
Protagonist

+10 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the dramatic climax occurs when Rose Maylie, previously depicted as cheerful and in high spir…

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Relationships

Oliver Twist
friendship · ambivalent
The Dodger is Oliver's first friend in London, though he leads him into Fagin's criminal… How this plays out →
Charley Bates
friendship · ambivalent
Oliver Twist
friendship · ambivalent
The Dodger is Oliver's first friend in London, though he leads him into Fagin's criminal… How this plays out →
Charley Bates
friendship · ambivalent
Charley Bates
friendship · ambivalent
Oliver Twist
friendship · ambivalent
The Dodger is Oliver's first friend in London, though he leads him into Fagin's criminal… How this plays out →

Oliver Twist
The Dodger is Oliver's first friend in London, though he leads him into Fagin's criminal gang.
Charley Bates
They are close companions and partners in crime within Fagin's gang.
Oliver Twist
The Dodger is Oliver's first friend in London, though he leads him into Fagin's criminal gang.
Charley Bates
They are close companions and partners in crime within Fagin's gang.
Charley Bates
They are close companions and partners in crime within Fagin's gang.
Oliver Twist
The Dodger is Oliver's first friend in London, though he leads him into Fagin's criminal gang.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See The Artful Dodger in Oliver Walks to London. He Encounters on the Road a Strange Sort of Young Gentleman

In the story

The Artful Dodger appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Oliver Walks to London. He Encounters on the Road a Strange Sort of Young Gentleman
The Dodger encounters Oliver in Barnet, offers him food and lodging, and leads him to Fagin's house, introducing him as 'my friend Oliver Twist.'
IX: Containing Further Particulars Concerning the Pleasant Old Gentleman, and His Hopeful Pupils
Returns with stolen pocketbooks and joins the breakfast, showing his role in Fagin's gang.
Oliver Becomes Better Acquainted with the Characters of His New Associates; and Purchases Experience at a High Price. Being a Short, but Very Important Chapter, in This History
The Dodger leads Oliver to a bookstall and pickpockets an old gentleman, handing the handkerchief to Charley Bates. He then joins the chase shouting 'Stop thief!' to divert suspicion.
XII: In Which Oliver Is Taken Better Care of Than He Ever Was Before. And in Which the Narrative Reverts to the Merry Old Gentleman and His Youthful Friends
The Dodger, along with Charley Bates, escapes after pickpocketing Mr. Brownlow, using a maze of streets to evade capture.
XIII: Some New Acquaintances Are Introduced to the Intelligent Reader, Connected with Whom Various Pleasant Matters Are Related, Appertaining to This History
The Dodger is confronted by Fagin and reveals that the police have captured Oliver; he defends himself with a toasting fork before being calmed.
How Oliver Passed His Time in the Improving Society of His Reputable Friends
The Dodger returns and has Oliver clean his boots while smoking and discussing the pride of being a 'prig'.
XIX: In Which a Notable Plan Is Discussed and Determined On
Sitting up impatiently awaiting Fagin's return; reports that Oliver is asleep.
Wherein This History Reverts to Mr. Fagin and Company
Playing whist, cheating skillfully, and later fetching Toby Crackit.
Chapter XXXIX: Introduces Some Respectable Characters with Whom the Reader Is Already Acquainted, and Shows How Monks and the Jew Laid Their Worthy Heads Together
Assists in reviving Nancy with spirits and helps carry the bundle of provisions.
Wherein Is Shown How the Artful Dodger Got Into Trouble
Arrested for pickpocketing, he puts on a defiant and theatrical performance in the dock at Bow Street.

Chapter companion notes

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