Peachum is a character from the play "The Threepenny Opera," written by Bertolt Brecht. He is a cunning and resourceful beggar's leader who runs a business that exploits the poor. Peachum is known for his ability to manipulate the social system to his advantage, often using his knowledge of the streets to control the flow of money and resources. In the story, Peachum's primary goal is to maintain his profitable operation while navigating the challenges posed by law enforcement and rival characters. His interactions with other characters, including Macheath, reveal themes of capitalism, morality, and survival in a corrupt society.