Oliver Twist is definitely a character to be admired. He has strong morals and a strong loyalty to anyone that befriends him. Nevertheless, in recent times, his character has come under criticism from some who find it unbelievable that someone bought up in a workhouse could not only be that innately good and naive but so well-spoken. Though they have a point, Dickens purposely made him this way so that his criticism of Victorian society would be easier to swallow for Victorian readers.

One of Oliver's most admirable qualities is his ability to survive. Despite his size and sensitivity, he always finds a way out of tough situations. For example, he runs away from Mr. Bumble's funeral parlor. In this sense, his naivety and willingness to believe in the best of people are an advantage. He is twice caught committing a crime and both times the victim of the crime takes him in them into their home, even nursing him back to health. Nancy appreciates Oliver's good nature to the point that she risks her life to warn Oliver's guardians of Bill Sikes's intention to recapture him.

Dickens's classic novel Oliver Twist about a small boy whose tragic life does not end in tragedy is forever inspiring as it provides reader the promise that man is essentially good at heart.  This theme is best developed through the characterization of Oliver. For, in the words of Charles Dickens himself--

I wished to show, in little Oliver, the principle of good surviving through every adverse circumstance, and triumphing at last.

1. Oliver Twist does, indeed, exhibit this principle of the victory of good over evil.  He survives the orphanage and the workhouse, the sordid influence of Fagin and his band of thieves.
2. Oliver is extremely loyal.  After he is taken in by Mr. Brownlow, Oliver is later able to return to the workhouse to find his friend Dick and rescue him.  Unfortunately, poor Dick has died, and Oliver mourns him.  In a similar show of heart and family loyalty, Oliver devides his inheritance with Moniker, even though Moniker has tried to ruin Oliver.
3. He inspires Nancy to exhibit the human kindness and compassion that is within her.  So motivated is Nancy to right her unjust act to Oliver of tricking him and returning him to the gang that she vows to help him even if it costs her her own life.  Her nobility of soul emerges thanks to Oliver Twist.