The Threepenny Opera Character Analysis

Macheath

Also known as “Mackie the Knife,” Macheath is the slickest gangster in London—a notorious thief, murderer, and rapist who gets away with every crime he commits due to his symbiotic, transactional relationship with the sheriff… read analysis of Macheath

Jonathan Jeremiah Peachum

The proprietor of an establishment called “The Beggar’s Friend,” a London outfitter which sells shabby clothes, cardboard signs, faux stumps made to give one the appearance of being an amputee, and other accoutrements of poverty… read analysis of Jonathan Jeremiah Peachum

Polly Peachum

Peachum and Mrs. Peachum’s only daughter, and Macheath’s newest lover. Polly embodies the archetype of the naïve ingenue—turned by the tides of the moon and enraptured by the slick, charming Macheath’s attention toward… read analysis of Polly Peachum

Mrs. Peachum

Polly’s mother and Jonathan Jeremiah Peachum’s wife. Mrs. Peachum is one of the shallower characters in the play—as an archetypical (or stereotypical) vision of a nagging wife and concerned mother, she mostly exists in relation… read analysis of Mrs. Peachum

Tiger Brown

The corrupt but genial sheriff of London and an old army buddy of Macheath’s. The two old friends, who were stationed together in India years ago, love each other dearly and have a symbiotic… read analysis of Tiger Brown

Ginny Jenny

A prostitute at a brothel in Wapping and a former lover of Macheath’s. Ginny Jenny seems to look back on her past with Macheath with a mixture of longing and revulsion—she was forced to let… read analysis of Ginny Jenny

Lucy Brown

Tiger Brown’s daughter and one of Macheath’s “wives,” though whether her marriage to the man is or ever was legitimate is never revealed. She comes to visit Macheath when he is jailed at… read analysis of Lucy Brown

Constable Smith

A corrupt London constable who is summoned (and, the text implies, paid) by Peachum to arrest Macheath at the brothel in Wapping. When Smith takes Macheath to be jailed at the Old Bailey, Macheath attempts… read analysis of Constable Smith

Money Matthew

A member of Macheath’s gang, and seemingly the one of the thugs highest up in the pecking order. Matthew is a gifted thief and liar, and is always willing to put himself on the… read analysis of Money Matthew

Hook-finger Jacob

One of Macheath’s most loyal thugs. Jacob frequents a brothel in Wapping and, like Macheath, is often distracted from his own self-interest (and from protecting his boss) by the compay of women. Still, Jacob… read analysis of Hook-finger Jacob

Filch

A young man who visits Peachum’s shop “The Beggar’s Friend” in hopes of purchasing clothes and accessories that will help him be a more successful beggar. He makes a deal with Peachum, as the… read analysis of Filch

The Queen

Though never seen onstage, the new Queen of England’s upcoming coronation provides the background for the action of the opera. At the end of the play, a message from the Queen arrives at the Old… read analysis of The Queen

Minor Characters

Reverend Kimball

A reverend who shows up at Polly and Macheath’s “wedding” not to sanctify or consecrate their marriage, but simply to participate in the festivities. The text implies that Kimball is in the hands of Macheath and his gang, a kind of on-call associate for whatever the thugs might need.

Suky Tawdry

A prostitute and lover of Macheath’s. Though never seen onstage, the other characters talk about Suky Tawdry and Macheath’s insatiable lust for her.

Robert the Saw

One of Macheath’s thugs.

Wally the Weeper

One of Macheath’s thugs.

The Ballad Singer

A balladeer who entertains London’s market day crowds with clever songs.