Mr Brownlow is the benevolent old gentleman of the story, who takes care of Oliver, giving him kindness and love, the two things which the poor boy has been denied for his entire life. An old friend of Oliver’s parents, he instinctively trusts Oliver and decides to take Oliver into his home and take his part against Bill Sikes and Mr Bumble.

Mr Brownlow is a wealthy man, but he has not abused his wealth as some of the other rich characters have done. In comparison to the governors of the workhouse, for example, Brownlow is practically an angel.