Oliver Twist character Sikes is a violent criminal and a member of Fagin's gang of pickpockets. He is a cruel and menacing figure who is ultimately responsible for the death of Nancy, one of the main characters in the novel. Fagin is an elderly criminal who trains and employs homeless children to pickpocket. He is a greedy and manipulative character who is eventually arrested and sentenced to death. The Artful Dodger is a young pickpocket and a member of Fagin's gang. He is a mischievous and streetwise character who befriends Oliver and helps him navigate the criminal underworld.