's original engraving of the Artful Dodger (centre), here introducing Oliver (right) to Fagin (left). It can be argued that Cruikshank originated the Dodger's trademark top hat -- Dickens never specifically describes the hat.]] as the Artful Dodger in Roman Polanski's Oliver Twist.]] as the Artful Dodger in Oliver!, the musical.]]The Artful Dodger is a character in the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist. The Dodger, whose real name is Jack Dawkins, is a pickpocket, so-called for his skill and cunning in that respect. As a result he has become the leader of the gang of child criminals, trained by the elderly Fagin. Dickens describes him thus:He was a snub-nosed, flat-browed, common-faced boy enough; and as dirty a juvenile as one would wish to see; but he had about him all the airs and manners of a man. He was short of his age: with rather bow-legs, and little, sharp, ugly eyes. His hat was stuck on the top of his head so lightly