Sweeney Todd: characters

Main Characters in ‘Sweeney Todd’

Sweeney Todd (Benjamin Barker)

Formerly known as Benjamin Barker, Sweeney Todd is the protagonist of the musical.
Once a gentle man and a skilled barber, his tragic past has turned him into a gruesome murderer driven by revenge.
His character presents a complex study of good versus evil as he is simultaneously a victim and a villain.
His flourishing barber shop becomes the means to his revenge, using his razor as a weapon.

Mrs. Lovett

Mrs. Lovett is a cunning and opportunistic character, who owns a failing pie shop.
Despite being comically charming, she is morally corrupt and becomes Todd’s accomplice.
She harbours a secret love for Sweeney, driving her actions throughout the plot.
Her pie shop, once struggling, begins to prosper when she decides to use Todd’s victims as pie filling.

Judge Turpin

Judge Turpin is the main antagonist who falsely accuses Barker and sends him to prison, allowing him to claim Barker’s wife and baby for himself.
He is cruel, lustful, and morally depraved, underlining the corruption residing within societal pillars of justice.
His rigid adherence to the law juxtaposes his immoral actions, adding depth to his character.

Secondary Characters in ‘Sweeney Todd’

Tobias “Toby” Ragg

Toby, an innocent and naive young boy, is Mrs. Lovett’s ward and helper.
Despite his simplemindedness, he intuitively senses the danger in Todd, showcasing a kind of fool’s wisdom.
Toby’s character provides a stark contrast to the dark, corrupt adults around him, highlighting their barbarity.

Anthony Hope

Anthony is a sailor who befriends Sweeney Todd and rescues Johanna from the clutches of Judge Turpin.
His character represents honesty and optimism in the deeply flawed world of the musical.
His love for Johanna and his dedication to rescue her add a romantic subplot to the narrative.

Johanna Barker

Johanna is the daughter of Sweeney Todd and Lucy Barker.
Innocent and beautiful, she is trapped in the lecherous Judge Turpin’s guardianship.
She symbolises purity and vulnerability in a world distorted by evil.

Understanding the intricate characters and their motivations in ‘Sweeney Todd’ is crucial for analysing the play’s themes and interplay of power, corruption, and morality.