"The Threepenny Opera" Characters Analysis

"The Threepenny Opera" by Bertolt Brecht is a masterpiece of modern theater, known for its dark and satirical portrayal of society. The characters in this play are complex and multifaceted, each contributing to the overall theme and message of the story. In this character analysis, we will explore the key characters, their roles, backgrounds, traits, and relationships.

List of Characters

Role Identification

Macheath

Macheath, also known as Mack the Knife, is the central character of "The Threepenny Opera." He is an anti-hero, a notorious criminal and womanizer. Macheath embodies the corrupt and hypocritical nature of society.

Polly Peachum

Polly Peachum is Macheath's wife and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peachum. She is portrayed as innocent and naive, but also cunning and manipulative. Polly becomes entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal throughout the play.

Mr. Peachum

Mr. Peachum is a cunning and shrewd businessman who controls the beggars of London. He is a symbol of the underbelly of society, exploiting the poor for his own gain. Mr. Peachum is determined to bring Macheath to justice.

Mrs. Peachum

Mrs. Peachum is a strong and domineering woman who assists her husband in his business operations. She is highly manipulative and has a deep-seated hatred for Macheath. Mrs. Peachum plays a significant role in orchestrating the downfall of Macheath.

Jenny Diver

Jenny Diver is a former lover of Macheath and a prostitute. She is street-smart and resourceful, using her knowledge of Macheath's criminal activities to her advantage. Jenny's character highlights the complexity of relationships in a corrupt society.

Lucy Brown

Lucy Brown is the daughter of Tiger Brown, the police chief. She is deeply in love with Macheath and is willing to do anything to protect him. Lucy's character represents the conflict between loyalty and societal expectations.

Tiger Brown

Tiger Brown is the police chief and a childhood friend of Macheath. He is torn between his duty as a law enforcer and his friendship with Macheath. Tiger Brown's character symbolizes the corruption within the justice system.

The Street Singer

The Street Singer serves as the narrator of "The Threepenny Opera." He represents the voice of the common people and provides commentary on the events unfolding in the play.

Character Descriptions

Macheath

Macheath is a tall and charismatic figure, known for his sharp dressing and persuasive charm. He has a commanding presence and a dark, mysterious aura. Macheath's physical appearance mirrors his deceptive nature.

Polly Peachum

Polly Peachum is a young and innocent-looking woman with a delicate beauty. She often appears demure and innocent, but beneath her facade lies a shrewd and calculating mind.

Mr. Peachum

Mr. Peachum is a middle-aged man with a hunchback. He has a sly and cunning expression, always calculating his next move. Despite his physical deformity, Mr. Peachum exudes a sense of authority and power.

Mrs. Peachum

Mrs. Peachum is a middle-aged woman with a stern and imposing presence. She dresses elegantly and carries an air of sophistication. Her sharp tongue and piercing gaze reveal her manipulative nature.

Jenny Diver

Jenny Diver is a young and attractive woman with a streetwise demeanor. She dresses provocatively and oozes confidence. Jenny's physical appearance reflects her ability to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world.

Lucy Brown

Lucy Brown is a beautiful young woman with an innocent and vulnerable appearance. Her soft features and gentle demeanor make her a stark contrast to the other characters in the play.

Tiger Brown

Tiger Brown is a middle-aged man with a stern and authoritative presence. He dresses in a police uniform, symbolizing his position of power. Tiger Brown's physical appearance reflects his conflicted nature.

The Street Singer

The Street Singer is a middle-aged man dressed in ragged clothing, reflecting his position as a marginalized member of society. He has a melancholic and haunting voice, which adds depth to his character.

Character Traits

Macheath

• Charismatic
• Manipulative
• Ruthless
• Charming
• Self-serving

Polly Peachum

• Innocent
• Cunning
• Manipulative
• Resourceful
• Determined

Mr. Peachum

• Shrewd
• Calculating
• Opportunistic
• Ruthless
• Manipulative

Mrs. Peachum

• Domineering
• Manipulative
• Calculating
• Cold-hearted
• Ruthless

Jenny Diver

• Streetwise
• Resourceful
• Opportunistic
• Seductive
• Loyal

Lucy Brown

• Innocent
• Naive
• Devoted
• Vulnerable
• Conflicted

Tiger Brown

• Conflicted
• Corrupt
• Loyal
• Authoritative
• Torn

The Street Singer

• Melancholic
• Observant
• Disillusioned
• Sympathetic
• Informative

Character Background

Macheath

Macheath comes from a lower-class background and has risen through the ranks of the criminal underworld. He is a notorious figure and has a long history of criminal activities. Macheath is charismatic and has a way of attracting people to him, despite his dark nature.

Polly Peachum

Polly Peachum is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peachum, who run a successful beggars' business. She grew up in a manipulative and cunning environment, which shaped her character. Polly is initially innocent but quickly learns to navigate the treacherous world around her.

Mr. Peachum

Mr. Peachum grew up in poverty and has made a name for himself by exploiting the poor. He has built a successful business empire by controlling the beggars and using them for his own profit. Mr. Peachum is driven by a desire for power and wealth.

Mrs. Peachum

Mrs. Peachum comes from a lower-class background and married Mr. Peachum to improve her social standing. She is ambitious and ruthless, using her intelligence and manipulation skills to climb the social ladder. Mrs. Peachum is determined to protect her family's interests at any cost.

Jenny Diver

Jenny Diver grew up in poverty and turned to prostitution as a means of survival. She has had a tumultuous relationship with Macheath, which has shaped her character. Jenny is street-smart and resourceful, using her knowledge of Macheath's criminal activities to her advantage.

Lucy Brown

Lucy Brown is the daughter of Tiger Brown, the police chief. She grew up in a privileged and sheltered environment but fell in love with Macheath. Lucy's background and societal expectations clash with her loyalty to Macheath, creating a conflict within her character.

Tiger Brown

Tiger Brown grew up in a lower-class neighborhood and rose through the ranks of the police force. He is torn between his duty as a law enforcer and his loyalty to Macheath. Tiger Brown's background and friendship with Macheath have shaped his conflicting loyalties.

The Street Singer

The Street Singer comes from a marginalized background and has experienced the hardships of society. He serves as a voice for the common people, providing commentary on the events unfolding in the play. The Street Singer's background gives him a unique perspective on the corruption and hypocrisy of society.

Character Arcs

Macheath

Macheath starts as a powerful and feared criminal, but his world begins to crumble as his enemies close in on him. He is eventually captured and sentenced to death. Throughout the play, Macheath's arc highlights the consequences of living in a corrupt society.

Polly Peachum

Polly Peachum starts as an innocent and naive young woman, but she quickly learns the art of manipulation and deceit. She becomes an active participant in her own downfall, driven by her love for Macheath. Polly's arc showcases the destructive power of love and betrayal.

Mr. Peachum

Mr. Peachum's arc revolves around his desire for revenge against Macheath. He orchestrates the events that lead to Macheath's capture and ultimate downfall. Mr. Peachum's arc highlights the ruthless and opportunistic nature of those in positions of power.

Mrs. Peachum

Mrs. Peachum's arc centers around her determination to protect her family's interests. She plays a pivotal role in the downfall of Macheath, using her manipulative skills to orchestrate events. Mrs. Peachum's arc showcases the lengths one will go to secure their position in a corrupt society.

Jenny Diver

Jenny Diver's arc revolves around her conflicted feelings for Macheath. She initially seeks revenge but eventually realizes her love for him. Jenny's arc highlights the complexities of relationships in a corrupt society and the blurred lines between love and betrayal.

Lucy Brown

Lucy Brown's arc showcases her struggle between societal expectations and her loyalty to Macheath. She ultimately chooses to protect him, despite the consequences. Lucy's arc explores the conflict between love and duty.

Tiger Brown

Tiger Brown's arc revolves around his conflicting loyalties to Macheath and his duty as a police chief. He is torn between his friendship with Macheath and his responsibility to uphold the law. Tiger Brown's arc highlights the corruption and moral compromises within the justice system.

The Street Singer

The Street Singer's arc is more symbolic than personal. He serves as a constant reminder of the corruption and hypocrisy within society. The Street Singer's arc reinforces the themes of the play and provides a critical perspective on the events unfolding.

Relationships

Macheath and Polly Peachum

Macheath and Polly's relationship is a complex mix of love, betrayal, and manipulation. They are bound together by marriage but are driven apart by their own actions. Their relationship highlights the destructive power of love in a corrupt society.

Macheath and Jenny Diver

Macheath and Jenny Diver share a complicated history. They have a tumultuous relationship filled with love, betrayal, and manipulation. Their relationship reflects the blurred lines between love and self-interest.

Macheath and Lucy Brown

Macheath and Lucy Brown's relationship is based on love and loyalty. Lucy is deeply in love with Macheath and is willing to protect him at any cost. Their relationship represents the conflict between love and societal expectations.

Mr. and Mrs. Peachum

Mr. and Mrs. Peachum have a complex and manipulative relationship. They share a common goal of seeking revenge against Macheath. Their relationship is driven by their desire for power and control.

Polly Peachum and Lucy Brown

Polly Peachum and Lucy Brown's relationship is fraught with tension and jealousy. They both love Macheath and are willing to do anything to protect him. Their relationship showcases the complexities of love and loyalty.

Macheath and Tiger Brown

Macheath and Tiger Brown have a complicated friendship that is tested throughout the play. Tiger Brown is torn between his duty as a police chief and his loyalty to Macheath. Their relationship highlights the corrupt nature of friendship in a society driven by self-interest.

In conclusion, "The Threepenny Opera" by Bertolt Brecht presents a diverse cast of characters who embody the corrupt and hypocritical nature of society. Each character plays a vital role in highlighting the themes of the play, such as love, betrayal, and the struggle for power. Through their relationships, backgrounds, and character arcs, these characters come to life, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.