# The Artful Dodger — Oliver Twist character guide > The Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Dodger, Jack Dawkins, John Dawkins, Mr. Dawkins **First appearance:** 0007-viii-oliver-walks-to-london-he-encounters-on-the-road-a-strange-sort-of-young-gentleman ## Snapshot 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. ## Who they are 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. ## Relationships ### [Oliver Twist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/characters/oliver_twist) _friendship_ The Dodger is Oliver's first friend in London, though he leads him into Fagin's criminal gang. ### [Charley Bates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/characters/charley_bates) _friendship_ They are close companions and partners in crime within Fagin's gang. ### [Oliver Twist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/characters/oliver_twist) _friendship_ The Dodger is Oliver's first friend in London, though he leads him into Fagin's criminal gang. ### [Charley Bates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/characters/charley_bates) _friendship_ They are close companions and partners in crime within Fagin's gang. ### [Charley Bates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/characters/charley_bates) _friendship_ They are close companions and partners in crime within Fagin's gang. ### [Oliver Twist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/characters/oliver_twist) _friendship_ The Dodger is Oliver's first friend in London, though he leads him into Fagin's criminal gang. ## In the story ### [Oliver Walks to London. He Encounters on the Road a Strange Sort of Young Gentleman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/viii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/x-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xliii-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. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/characters/the_artful_dodger - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/characters