Noah and Charlotte's Criminal Career

Follows Noah Claypole and Charlotte from the undertaker's shop to London and their involvement with Fagin.

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Bullying Oliver

Bullying Oliver The Charity Boy Noah Claypole is a charity boy who works for Sowerberry. He is jealous of Oliver's promotion to mute and torments him constantly. The Insult to Oliver's Mother Noah taunts Oliver about his mother, calling her a bad woman. This provokes Oliver to attack him, leading to Oliver's punishment and eventual flight. Noah's Character Noah is cowardly, lazy, and cruel. He enjoys lording over Oliver, who is even lower in status. His behavior reveals the pettiness of the class hierarchy.

Theft and Flight to London

Theft and Flight to London Robbing the Till Noah and Charlotte steal money from Sowerberry's till and run away to London. Noah carries the money, trusting Charlotte only as a decoy. The Journey They travel on foot, with Noah complaining and Charlotte burdened with luggage. They arrive in London at night. Seeking Shelter Noah chooses a low public-house, the Three Cripples, to avoid detection. There they encounter Fagin, who overhears Noah's boasts about thieving.

Joining Fagin's Gang

Joining Fagin's Gang The Recruit Fagin recognizes Noah's potential as an informer and thief. He offers Noah a place in his gang, with the promise of easy money. The Kinchin Lay Noah is assigned to the "kinchin lay"—robbing children sent on errands. He proves adept at this cowardly crime. New Identity Noah adopts the alias Morris Bolter. He and Charlotte become part of Fagin's household, though they are looked down upon by the other members.

Spying on Nancy

Spying on Nancy Fagin's Orders Fagin suspects Nancy of disloyalty. He orders Noah to follow her and report her movements. The Stakeout Noah follows Nancy to London Bridge and hides on the stairs. He overhears her conversation with Rose and Mr. Brownlow. The Report Noah returns to Fagin and reveals everything: Nancy's betrayal, the description of Monks, and the plan to capture him. This leads directly to Nancy's murder.

Turning Informer

Turning Informer Arrest and Immunity When Fagin's gang is raided, Noah is captured. To save himself, he turns King's evidence against Fagin. The Trial Noah's testimony helps convict Fagin. He receives a free pardon for his crimes. New Career After the trial, Noah becomes a professional informer, extorting money from publicans by staging fainting fits with Charlotte. He lives a contemptible but comfortable life.

Early in the story, at Sowerberry's

After Oliver's departure, mid-story

After arriving in London

After Nancy's secret meetings, near the climax

After Fagin's arrest, near the end