Sukey Tawdry is a character from the 1728 ballad opera "The Beggar's Opera," written by John Gay. She is portrayed as a lively and cunning woman who navigates the criminal underworld of London. Sukey is often associated with themes of love, betrayal, and survival, reflecting the struggles of the lower classes in society. In the opera, Sukey is romantically linked to the character Macheath, a charming highwayman. Her character serves to highlight the complexities of relationships in a corrupt society, making her a memorable figure in the world of English theatre and a symbol of the era's social commentary.