Character guide

Captain Macheath

major

Also known as Macheath, Captain, the Captain

A charming highwayman and central figure, romantically entangled with Polly and Lucy.

Polly Peachum

major

Also known as Polly, Miss Polly, Miss Polly Peachum

Daughter of Peachum, secretly married to Macheath, loyal and resourceful.

Lucy Lockit

major

Also known as Lucy, Miss Lucy, Mistress Lucy

Daughter of the jailer Lockit, also claims Macheath as her husband.

Mr. Peachum

major

Also known as Peachum, Mr. Peachum

A corrupt thief-taker and Polly's father, plotting against Macheath.

Mrs. Peachum

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Peachum

Polly's mother, concerned with family reputation and money.

Lockit

supporting

Also known as Lockit

The corrupt jailer of Newgate, father of Lucy, ally and rival of Peachum.

Filch

minor

Also known as Filch Betty

A young pickpocket in Peachum's employ.

Jenny Diver

supporting

Also known as Jenny

A female thief and one of Macheath's many lovers.

Dolly Trull

minor

Also known as Trull

A prostitute and associate of the gang.

Mrs. Coaxer

minor

Also known as Coaxer

A prostitute in the gang, appears in tavern scenes.

Diana Trapes

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Trapes, Mrs. Diana Trapes

A fence and bawd, helps Peachum track Macheath.

Suky Tawdry

minor

Also known as Suky, Tawdry

A prostitute in the gang, appears in the tavern.

Molly Brazen

minor

Also known as Molly

A prostitute, one of Macheath's acquaintances.

Betty Doxy

minor

Also known as Betty

A prostitute in the gang.

Mrs. Vixen

minor

Also known as Vixen

A prostitute, appears in the gang scenes.

Mrs. Slammekin

minor

Also known as Slammekin

A prostitute, appears in the gang.

Ben Budge

supporting

Also known as Ben

A highwayman and associate of Macheath.

Matt of the Mint

supporting

Also known as Matt

A highwayman and friend of Macheath.

Tom

minor

Also known as Tom

A highwayman, brother of Matt, appears in gang scenes.

Ned Clincher

minor

Also known as Ned

A highwayman in Macheath's gang.

Harry Paddington

minor

Also known as Harry, Henry Paddington

A highwayman, appears in the gang.

Jemmy Twitcher

minor

Also known as Jemmy

A highwayman, appears in the gang.

Crook-fingered Jack

minor

Also known as Jack

A pickpocket in the gang.

Nimming Ned

minor

Also known as Ned

A pickpocket in the gang.

Roger

minor

A minor character, possibly a constable or servant.

Black Moll

minor

A prostitute mentioned in the gang.

Betty Sly

minor

A prostitute mentioned in the gang.

Marybone

minor

A minor character, possibly a location or person.

Brown Will

minor

A minor character in the gang.

Slippery Sam

minor

A minor character in the gang.

Jack Ketch

minor

The hangman, appears in the condemned hold.

Bob Booty

minor

A highwayman, mentioned in the gang.

The Beggar

supporting

Also known as Beggar

Framing narrator who introduces and comments on the opera.

The Player

minor

Also known as Player

Interlocutor with the Beggar in the framing scenes.