# The Beggar’s Opera — Character guide

> Key figures in The Beggar’s Opera by John Gay.

- [Captain Macheath](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/macheath.md): A charming highwayman and central figure, romantically entangled with Polly and Lucy.
- [Polly Peachum](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/polly_peachum.md): Daughter of Peachum, secretly married to Macheath, loyal and resourceful.
- [Lucy Lockit](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/lucy_lockit.md): Daughter of the jailer Lockit, also claims Macheath as her husband.
- [Mr. Peachum](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/peachum.md): A corrupt thief-taker and Polly's father, plotting against Macheath.
- [Mrs. Peachum](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/mrs_peachum.md): Polly's mother, concerned with family reputation and money.
- [Lockit](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/lockit.md): The corrupt jailer of Newgate, father of Lucy, ally and rival of Peachum.
- [Jenny Diver](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/jenny_diver.md): A female thief and one of Macheath's many lovers.
- [Mrs. Coaxer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/mrs_coaxer.md): A prostitute in the gang, appears in tavern scenes.
- [Diana Trapes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/diana_trapes.md): A fence and bawd, helps Peachum track Macheath.
- [Suky Tawdry](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/suky_tawdry.md): A prostitute in the gang, appears in the tavern.
- [Molly Brazen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/molly_brazen.md): A prostitute, one of Macheath's acquaintances.
- [Mrs. Vixen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/mrs_vixen.md): A prostitute, appears in the gang scenes.
- [Tom](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/tom.md): A highwayman, brother of Matt, appears in gang scenes.
- [Roger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/roger.md): A minor character, possibly a constable or servant.
- [Marybone](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/marybone.md): A minor character, possibly a location or person.
- [Jack Ketch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/jack_ketch.md): The hangman, appears in the condemned hold.
- [The Beggar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/beggar.md): Framing narrator who introduces and comments on the opera.
- [The Player](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters/player.md): Interlocutor with the Beggar in the framing scenes.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beggar_s_opera_se/characters