Bleak House

Mr. Vholes

Also known as Vholes

A reserved Chancery lawyer who represents Richard Carstone. He leaves Richard in court and departs with Mr. Kenge.

Mr. Woodcourt

Also known as Allan Woodcourt · young surgeon · dark young man · young Mr. Woodcourt

A skilled surgeon and Esther’s husband, who tends Richard during his final illness and brings him home from court. He and Esther have been married seven years.

Esther Summerson

Also known as Esther · Miss Summerson · little Esther Summerson · Dame Durden · Mother Hubbard · Mrs. Shipton · Minerva · Esther Hawdon · Fitz Jarndyce · Miss Fitz Jarndyce

The first-person narrator, Lady Dedlock’s daughter, and Allan Woodcourt’s wife. She visits Richard in his final illness and later recounts the lives of her family and friends.

Mr. Jarndyce

Also known as John Jarndyce · cousin John · guardian

Esther’s guardian and Ada’s cousin, who comforts Richard and offers him a home at Bleak House. After Richard’s death, he becomes Ada’s guardian and also the guardian of her son.

Ada Clare

Also known as Miss Ada · Miss Clare · Ada

Richard’s devoted wife and Esther’s close companion. She cares for Richard in his final illness and later raises their son, with John Jarndyce as guardian.

Richard Carstone

Also known as young Mr. Richard Carstone · Richard · Rick · Mr. C. · Mr. Richard

An orphan consumed by the Jarndyce and Jarndyce suit, which has left him worn and gravely ill. He dies after reconciling with Ada and John Jarndyce, and his posthumous son is named for him.

Miss Flite

Also known as little mad old woman · the little cracked old woman · madwoman

An eccentric woman long awaiting judgment in her Chancery case. After Richard’s death, she tells Esther she has released her symbolic birds.

Sir Leicester Dedlock

A wealthy baronet and Lady Dedlock’s husband. Invalided, bent, and nearly blind, he visits her mausoleum and remains at Chesney Wold with his old household.

Lady Dedlock

Also known as My Lady Dedlock

Sir Leicester’s late wife and Esther’s mother. She lies in the mausoleum at Chesney Wold; the circumstances of her death and return there remain a mystery to the public.

Mr. Boythorn

Also known as Lawrence Boythorn · Boythorn

John Jarndyce’s exuberant old friend and Sir Leicester’s neighbor. He keeps up their quarrel, partly to humor Sir Leicester, and knows how closely their fortunes were connected through two sisters.

Mr. George

Also known as George · the trooper · General George

A former trooper and George’s Shooting Gallery proprietor, now living in a lodge at Chesney Wold. He remains beside the invalid Sir Leicester, and his old friend Phil works around the stable yard.

Phil

Also known as custodian of George’s Gallery · Phil Squod

A lame, badly scarred assistant devoted to his commander, Mr. George. He now lives near George at Chesney Wold and polishes the stable equipment.

Mrs. Rouncewell

The elderly housekeeper at Chesney Wold and George Rouncewell’s mother. She remains close to Sir Leicester and goes to church on her son’s arm.

Watt Rouncewell

Also known as Watt · Mr. Rouncewell · gentleman at the Dedlock Arms · young gentleman with fishing-tackle

Mrs. Rouncewell’s grandson and the ironmaster’s son. He is among the family who visit Chesney Wold in summer.

the young Rouncewell women

Also known as Esther’s nieces

George’s nieces, daughters of his ironmaster brother. They sometimes visit Chesney Wold and are seen playing in the park.

Volumnia Dedlock

Also known as Miss Volumnia · Miss Dedlock

Sir Leicester’s poor relation, who stays with him at Chesney Wold and reads to him in the evenings. A memorandum about provision for her gives her some security if anything happens to him.

debilitated cousin at Chesney Wold

Also known as languid cousin with a moustache

An unnamed Dedlock cousin who finds the quiet life at Chesney Wold deeply depressing and complains about it.

Sir Leicester Dedlock’s cousins

Also known as the cousins

Unnamed Dedlock relations who visit Chesney Wold occasionally, especially during the shooting season.

Ada and Richard’s child

Also known as little creature · their child · Ada and Richard’s future son · generous brave man · their infant · little Richard

Ada and Richard’s son, born shortly before Richard’s burial and named Richard after his father. Ada later teaches him, and he calls Esther one of his two mothers.

Charley

Also known as Bleak House maid sent for Charley

Neckett’s eldest daughter and Esther’s former maid and pupil. She marries a prosperous local miller and remains close to Esther’s household.

Emma

Also known as Neckett’s baby daughter

Neckett’s daughter and Charley’s sister, once cared for by Charley. Seven years later she resembles Charley as a child and is still Esther’s young maid.

Tom

Also known as Neckett’s young son

Neckett’s son and brother of Charley and Emma. John Jarndyce sent him to school; he is now apprenticed to the local miller.

Caddy Jellyby

Also known as Miss Jellyby · Caroline Jellyby

Mrs. Jellyby’s eldest daughter, married to Prince Turveydrop. She works hard to support her family and patiently learns ways to communicate with her deaf and dumb daughter.

Prince Turveydrop

Also known as young Mr. Turveydrop · Caddy’s lover

Caddy’s kind, hardworking husband, who is lame and can do little work. Caddy supports their household.

Mr. Jellyby

Mrs. Jellyby’s mild, melancholy husband and Caddy’s father. He spends his evenings at Caddy’s home with his head against the wall, as he used to do in his old home.

Mrs. Jellyby

A woman devoted to philanthropic causes, whose family has long been neglected. After her African project fails, she takes up the cause of women’s right to sit in Parliament.

Caddy and Prince’s baby

Also known as little Esther · Caddy’s baby · Caddy’s poor little baby · Esther’s little namesake

Caddy and Prince’s daughter, once a tiny baby and now deaf and dumb. Caddy devotes herself to learning ways to ease her daughter’s affliction.

Peepy

Also known as Jellyby boy caught in the railings · young Jellyby

A young child of the Jellybys who is now doing well in the Custom House. Old Mr. Turveydrop takes pride in patronizing him and has reportedly left him a French clock that was not his to give.

Mr. Turveydrop

Also known as old Mr. Turveydrop · the father

Prince’s idle father, who still displays his deportment around town and enjoys the patronage of Peepy.

Ada and Richard’s two mamas

Also known as Esther and Ada

Esther and Ada, whom Ada and Richard’s young son regards as his two mothers; Esther is one of them.

Esther and Allan’s children

Also known as two little daughters · my dearest little pets

Esther and Allan Woodcourt’s two young daughters, whom Esther describes as pretty.

Caddy’s deaf and dumb daughter

Also known as Caddy’s poor little girl

Caddy and Prince Turveydrop’s daughter, who is deaf and dumb. Caddy learns many ways to communicate with and comfort her.

Caddy’s miller husband

Also known as the miller

An unnamed, prosperous local miller who is Charley’s husband. He is very fond of her and employs Tom as an apprentice.

King of Borrioboola-Gha

Also known as king of Borrioboola

The unnamed ruler whose wish to sell the surviving people of Borrioboola-Gha for rum helped bring Mrs. Jellyby’s African project to failure.

Mr. Skimpole

Also known as Harold Skimpole

A charming, childlike former physician who depended on others to support him. He dies about five years after Esther last sees him; his published diary portrays him as a victim of others’ selfishness, though Esther reads only one sentence of it.

Mrs. Woodcourt

Also known as Allan Woodcourt’s mother · Woodcourt’s widowed mother

Allan Woodcourt’s widowed mother, who stays with John Jarndyce and Esther in London during Esther’s illness. She approves of Esther’s engagement to Jarndyce and, after learning of Allan’s love for Esther, lives with the family and comes to appreciate Esther deeply.

Mr. Smallweed

Also known as Grandfather Smallweed

An elderly, helpless man who claims Krook’s property through his wife’s kinship. He finds a later will among Krook’s papers and, after negotiating with Mr. Bucket, reluctantly hands it to John Jarndyce in exchange for a promise of fair payment.

Mr. Bucket

Also known as Bucket · Inspector Bucket

A sharp detective employed by Sir Leicester to investigate Lady Dedlock’s case. He negotiates with Mr. Smallweed to recover a will from Krook’s papers and delivers it to John Jarndyce.

Mr. Kenge

Also known as Conversation Kenge

A solicitor at Kenge and Carboy’s who represents John Jarndyce in the Chancery suit. He examines the newly found will and explains that it is later than the other wills, properly executed, and would materially improve Richard and Ada’s interests; he later reports that the estate has been absorbed by costs.

Mr. Guppy

Also known as young clerk from Kenge and Carboy’s · inked young gentleman · Guppy · William Guppy

A former clerk at Kenge and Carboy’s who once proposed marriage to Esther, which she refused. Now admitted as an attorney, he visits Esther with his mother and friend Tony Jobling to renew his proposal, which John Jarndyce firmly rejects.

Mr. Rouncewell’s younger son

Also known as Mrs. Rouncewell’s second son

Mrs. Rouncewell’s surviving son, who rejected a prospective position at Chesney Wold to pursue mechanical work and became a successful ironmaster. He welcomes his long-estranged brother George home and proposes a place for him in the family business.

George Rouncewell’s brother

Also known as Mr. Rouncewell’s younger son · Mrs. Rouncewell’s second son

George’s prosperous brother, who pursued mechanical work and raised a family. He welcomes George home warmly, offers him a role in the iron business, and explains that their mother will not disinherit her favourite son.

Rosa

A shy young woman from the village, favored and trained by Lady Dedlock at Chesney Wold. She is engaged to Watt Rouncewell and is preparing to travel to Germany with one of his sisters for further education.

Mr. Guppy’s mother

Also known as Mrs. Guppy · Mrs. Guppy of the Old Street Road

William Guppy’s elderly mother, who lives on a small annuity in Old Street Road. She accompanies him when he renews his proposal to Esther and becomes angrily offended when it is rejected.

Mr. Weevle

Also known as Tony Jobling · Mr. Jobling · Jobling

An impoverished former associate of Mr. Guppy who rented a room from Krook under the name Mr. Weevle. He accompanies Guppy to visit Esther and plans to work as his clerk.

the ironmaster’s wife

Also known as George’s sister-in-law

The unnamed wife of George’s prosperous brother and mother of his daughters. She is among the family who welcome George home.

Volumnia’s maid

Also known as Miss Dedlock’s maid

An unnamed maid assigned to attend Volumnia during the night at Chesney Wold. Sleepy and resentful at being kept from bed, she helps escort Volumnia back to her room.

carriage drivers on the return journey

Also known as two drivers

Two unnamed drivers who bring Esther and Mr. Bucket back toward London through the storm. Mr. Bucket pays them and directs them to take the carriage to a stable.

Guster

Also known as Augusta

A lean young woman employed in the Snagsby household, possibly christened Augusta, who suffers unexplained fits. She received and was preparing to send Esther’s mother’s letter, then tells Esther how the exhausted, lost woman gave it to her and asked directions to the poor burial ground.

Mr. Snagsby

A mild, timid law-stationer and friend of Mr. Bucket. He helps during Guster’s fit and listens as she explains how Lady Dedlock entrusted her with Esther’s letter.

Mrs. Snagsby

Also known as Peffer’s niece · Mr. Snagsby’s little woman

Mr. Snagsby’s jealous, suspicious wife, who has helped Mr. Bucket investigate the case. She had frightened Guster during a fit while trying to obtain the letter, but later comforts her and helps her speak to Esther.

Jenny

Also known as brickmaker’s wife

A badly bruised woman who once nursed her dying baby and comforted Liz. After helping Lady Dedlock evade pursuit by exchanging clothes with her, she is found cold and dead at the gate of the poor burial ground.

Gridley

Also known as Mr. Gridley · the man from Shropshire · ruined suitor from Shropshire

A ruined Shropshire suitor driven to furious outbursts by a Chancery suit that consumed his estate. Miss Flite had intended to name him executor, but says he wore out and Richard has succeeded him.

Mr. Skimpole’s Irish housekeeper

Also known as Irishwoman

An unnamed Irish woman at the Skimpole household who admits Esther. She is breaking up the lid of a water-butt to use as firewood.

Ada and Richard’s future daughter

Also known as his daughter

A hoped-for daughter imagined by Ada as a grown woman who might be happily married and proud of Richard. This is a future possibility, not a child already born.

Mr. Smallweed’s companions

Also known as the other man and two women

Unnamed people who accompany Mr. Smallweed, Mr. Chadband, and Mrs. Snagsby to Sir Leicester’s house; the passage does not identify them individually.

Mercury in powder at the Dedlock town house

Also known as Mercury in powder

A tall powdered servant at the Dedlocks’ town house. He reports that Sir Leicester is alone in the library and that he has had several business visitors.

Mr. Tulkinghorn

An attorney who investigated Lady Dedlock’s past and whose murder is wrongly suspected of involving her. Lady Dedlock says she followed him to his darkened house on the night of his death to ask him to end her suspense, but received no answer.

Esther’s mother

Also known as Esther’s mama

Esther’s absent mother, Lady Dedlock, whom Esther has never known openly. The passage confirms that she is Esther’s mother and shows her fleeing after Sir Leicester learns her secret.

Lady Dedlock’s sister

Also known as Esther’s aunt · Lady Dedlock’s elder sister

The unnamed elder sister of Lady Dedlock and Esther’s aunt, formerly Miss Barbary’s employer. Mr. Jarndyce had told Esther of Lawrence Boythorn’s engagement to her.

Sir Leicester Dedlock’s valet

Also known as valet

An unnamed servant who tends Sir Leicester and dresses him after his apoplectic attack.

Sir Leicester’s doctors

Also known as doctors

Unnamed doctors who attend Sir Leicester after he collapses and try to revive him. They expect him to improve, but later prescribe silence and rest.

Lady Dedlock’s attendant

Also known as the attendant

An unnamed attendant whom Lady Dedlock’s messenger was sent to fetch; the passage gives no further details.

Lady Dedlock’s favourite girl

Also known as favourite girl

An unnamed young woman whom Lady Dedlock had sent away shortly before Tulkinghorn’s murder, which she fears may make her appear to have sought privacy for the crime.

Lady Dedlock’s coachman

Also known as short-legged coachman

An unnamed coachman in a flaxen wig who drives one of the Dedlocks’ carriages.

Lady Dedlock’s Mercury

Also known as luscious Mercuries

An unnamed powdered footman who rides behind a fashionable carriage bearing a stick of state and wearing a cocked hat.

Mademoiselle Hortense

Also known as Hortense · Lady Dedlock’s maid · Frenchwoman · Mademoiselle

Lady Dedlock’s former French maid, who became Mr. Bucket’s lodger and was secretly watched by his wife. She tried to implicate Lady Dedlock and sent letters calling her a murderess, but Mr. Bucket arrested her for Tulkinghorn’s murder.

Mr. Bucket’s wife

Also known as Mrs. Bucket

Mr. Bucket’s wife and a capable, resourceful investigator. She keeps Hortense under watch, tracks the letters accusing Lady Dedlock, and helps recover the pistol Hortense discarded.

Mademoiselle Hortense’s theater companion

Also known as Mrs. Bucket

Mrs. Bucket, who accompanies Hortense to the theater on the night of Tulkinghorn’s murder and later watches her movements. She reports Hortense’s trip to a country inn and helps Mr. Bucket locate the discarded pistol.

unnamed officers at the police station

Also known as two police officers

Two unnamed uniformed officers who help Mr. Bucket prepare and circulate a description of Lady Dedlock during the search.

unnamed police messenger

Also known as third man in uniform · man in uniform sent to fetch the equipage

An unnamed uniformed officer who carries out Mr. Bucket’s instructions and later fetches the carriage and horses for the search.

men who look like police and sailors

Also known as mixture of police and sailors

Unnamed men at a waterside station who confer with Mr. Bucket during his search for Lady Dedlock.

muddy boatman

Also known as man yet dark and muddy

An unnamed man in long, waterlogged boots and a muddy hat, called from a boat to speak privately with Mr. Bucket and inspect something retrieved from the water.

carriage driver on the search

Also known as driver · my lad

An unnamed driver who takes Esther and Mr. Bucket through London and the countryside as they search for Lady Dedlock.

postilion

Also known as man in uniform who had fetched the equipage

An unnamed postilion who accompanies the horses and carriage during the search.

turnpike-keepers

Also known as turnpike-keepers

Unnamed keepers at road toll gates whom Mr. Bucket questions while tracing Lady Dedlock’s journey.

ostler who catches the cup

Also known as ostler

An unnamed ostler who catches Esther’s cup and saucer after she drinks tea on the road.

Mr. Bucket’s coachman at the shooting gallery

Also known as coachman

An unnamed coachman who waits with Mr. Bucket’s horse outside George’s Shooting Gallery.

the other woman

Also known as unnamed woman whose clothes Hortense wore

An unnamed woman whose dress Mademoiselle Hortense wore when she met Jo to test his memory. Mr. Bucket regrets that he did not see her during his inquiries among the brickmakers.

brickmaker’s wife in the lodging-house

Also known as wife of one of the two brickmakers

An unnamed woman from St Albans who came to London with her brickmaker husband in search of work. Allan Woodcourt found her bruised and footsore in Tom-all-Alone’s; she later lives with Jenny and their husbands near the brick kilns.

brickmaker

Also known as father of the dead baby

An unnamed, impoverished and often drunken man from St Albans who works as a brickmaker. His wife says he got into trouble the previous night, and Allan sees that he has badly bruised her.

Liz

Also known as comforting neighbor · scarred woman

A poor, abused woman who comforted Jenny after Jenny’s baby died. She lives with her husband, Jenny, and Jenny’s husband near the brick kilns, and recognizes Esther and Mr. Bucket.

unnamed brickmaker’s wife

Also known as woman waiting in Tom-all-Alone’s

An unnamed woman from St Albans, bruised and footsore, waiting outside a lodging-house in Tom-all-Alone’s. Allan Woodcourt treats her injury; she has lost her own baby and has cared for Liz’s infant.

brickmaker’s dead child

Also known as her own child

The unnamed child of the brickmaker’s wife, who has died. Allan understands from the woman’s account that she is not the mother of Liz’s infant.

Liz’s infant

Also known as comforting neighbor’s infant · Liz’s baby · very young child

The unnamed baby of Liz, whom the brickmaker’s wife calls her own. The child is mentioned but does not appear in the passage.

Jenny’s husband

Also known as brickmaker

An unnamed, surly brickmaker and Jenny’s husband, who tells Esther that Jenny left for London after meeting Lady Dedlock. He has a watch that Mr. Bucket suspects Lady Dedlock gave him, though it may have been taken.

Jenny’s husband’s companion

Also known as the other man

An unnamed man at the brickmakers’ house who corroborates Jenny’s husband’s account of Lady Dedlock’s visit.

Michael Jackson

Also known as person in the blue velveteen waistcoat

An unemployed man who tells Mr. Bucket that Lady Dedlock visited the brickmakers. He is described as wearing a blue velveteen waistcoat with a double row of mother-of-pearl buttons.

the landlady at the roadside inn

Also known as comely landlady

An unnamed, kind landlady who gives Esther a warm room, food, and a brief rest during the search. She has three daughters and warmly welcomes Esther.

the landlady’s eldest daughter

Also known as first daughter to be married

An unnamed daughter of the roadside inn’s landlady, one of three sisters. The family says she is to be the first married.

the landlady’s second daughter

Also known as one of the three fair girls

An unnamed daughter of the roadside inn’s landlady who helps care for Esther during her brief rest.

the landlady’s youngest daughter

Also known as blooming girl of nineteen

The nineteen-year-old youngest daughter of the roadside inn’s landlady. She kisses Esther goodbye, and Esther remembers her as a friend.

the brickmaker’s blind horse

Also known as gaunt blind horse

A gaunt, blind horse that turns a mill near the brick kilns, where bricks are made.

Mrs. Rouncewell’s younger son

Also known as Mrs. Rouncewell’s second son

Mrs. Rouncewell’s surviving son, who rejected a prospective position at Chesney Wold to pursue mechanical work. He became established, married, and raised his son Watt; he has now returned home.

Mr. Chadband

Also known as Reverend Mr. Chadband · Chadband

A verbose preacher who accompanies Mr. Smallweed to Sir Leicester’s house, where he presents Mrs. Chadband’s knowledge of Lady Dedlock’s secret as leverage for money.

Mrs. Chadband

Also known as Rachael · Mrs. Rachael

Mr. Chadband’s stern wife, formerly known as Mrs. Rachael from Miss Barbary’s household. She says she helped raise Esther, Lady Dedlock’s daughter, and that Miss Barbary concealed the child’s survival; she comes to Sir Leicester’s house seeking payment for this secret.

Mercury’s powdered colleague

Also known as brother deity

An unnamed powdered male servant at the Dedlocks’ town house who helps carry Mr. Smallweed upstairs in a chair.

Mr. Smallweed’s wife

Also known as Mrs. Smallweed · Grandmother Smallweed

The elderly wife of Mr. Smallweed, who is deaf and related to Krook. Mr. Smallweed says Krook was her brother; she is not present during his visit to Sir Leicester.

Mrs. Bagnet

Also known as the old girl

Matthew Bagnet’s resourceful wife and George’s old friend. She discovers that Mrs. Rouncewell is George’s mother, accompanies her to London, and persuades George to accept legal help.

Quebec

Also known as little Malta’s elder sister

The elder Bagnet daughter. George sends her a kiss through her mother.

Malta

Also known as Quebec’s younger sister

The younger Bagnet daughter. George sends her a kiss through her mother.

Miss Barbary

Also known as Esther’s godmother · Esther’s aunt

Esther’s stern guardian, later revealed as her aunt in fact though not in law. Mrs. Chadband says Miss Barbary concealed Esther’s survival after birth and raised her in secret.

the old man carried upstairs

Also known as Mr. Smallweed

Mr. Smallweed, an elderly man with little use of his limbs, is carried in a chair to Sir Leicester’s library by powdered servants.

unnamed visitor carried in a chair

Also known as incapable old man

An unnamed elderly man carried upstairs in a chair among the visitors to Sir Leicester; Mr. Bucket identifies him as Mr. Smallweed.

Mr. Bucket’s aunt

Also known as aunt at Chelsea

An unnamed ninety-year-old single woman with some property who lives in Chelsea. Mr. Bucket invents a visit to her as an excuse for having seen Lady Dedlock leave on the night of the murder.

Mr. Bagnet

Also known as Matthew Bagnet · Mat · Lignum

An ex-artilleryman and bassoon-player, Mr. George’s old soldier friend. He and his wife visit George in prison; he defers to his wife’s judgment and accepts her sudden trip to fetch George’s mother.

Mr. Bagnet’s deceased mother

Also known as his poor old mother

Mr. Bagnet’s late mother, whom he fondly remembers each year on Mrs. Bagnet’s birthday. She died twenty years earlier.

young Woolwich

Also known as Mr. Bagnet’s son · the Bagnet godson

The Bagnets’ son and Mr. George’s godson, a young drummer who plays the fife. Mr. George once spoke to him about mothers’ heads turning white and wrinkled, revealing that George had recently seen his own mother.

Mr. George’s mother

Also known as George’s mother

An unnamed, living woman in Lincolnshire whom Mr. George has kept secret from others. Mrs. Bagnet learns of her from George and sets out to bring her to London.

Mr. Vholes’s daughters

Also known as Emma, Jane, and Caroline

Mr. Vholes’s three daughters, Emma, Jane, and Caroline. Their father says he works to provide for them and invokes their welfare when explaining the limits of his professional work.

Mr. Vholes’s aged father

Also known as aged father in the Vale of Taunton

Mr. Vholes’s elderly father, who lives in his native Vale of Taunton and depends on his son’s support.

Mr. Bucket’s lodger

Also known as lodger

An unnamed, amiable woman lodging with Mr. and Mrs. Bucket. She keeps Mrs. Bucket company while Mr. Bucket is occupied with the murder investigation.

Lord Doodle

A political figure satirically named among the handful of human followers at Tulkinghorn’s funeral.

William Buffy

A political figure who declined to secure a pension for Volumnia Dedlock or a lucrative post for Bob Stables. He attends Tulkinghorn’s funeral.

Duke of Foodle

A political figure whose elaborate mourning carriage and funeral tribute are sent to Tulkinghorn’s funeral.

three cousins of Sir Leicester

Also known as the cousins

Unnamed Dedlock relations who gather at Chesney Wold for political occasions and seek public employment. One languid cousin attends Tulkinghorn’s funeral.

Mr. Bucket’s father

Also known as Bucket’s father

Mr. Bucket’s deceased father, who worked as a page, footman, butler, steward, and innkeeper. He considered service the most honorable part of his career.

Mr. Bucket’s brother

Also known as Bucket’s brother

An unnamed brother of Mr. Bucket who works in service.

Mr. Bucket’s brother-in-law

Also known as Bucket’s brother-in-law

An unnamed brother-in-law of Mr. Bucket who works in service.

Jo

Also known as Tom-all-Alone’s sweeping-boy · boy who sweeps the crossing · Toughy · the Tough Subject

A homeless, illiterate boy from Tom-all-Alone’s, taken in by Mr. George. Gravely ill, he dies after asking to be buried beside the man who once told him, “I am as poor as you to-day,” and repeating the Lord’s Prayer with Allan Woodcourt.

the Dedlock housekeeper

Also known as old and attached retainer

Mrs. Rouncewell, the elderly housekeeper at Chesney Wold, where she has served for half a century.

Mr. George’s friend in the city

Also known as friend in the city

An unnamed moneylender associated with Grandfather Smallweed who holds Mr. George’s bond. Mr. George’s debt troubles are still weighing on him.

Mr. Bucket’s friend who wants a violoncello

Also known as friend in want of a second-hand wiolinceller

An unnamed friend of Mr. Bucket who wants a second-hand violoncello with a good tone. Mr. Bucket uses this as a reason to ask Mr. Bagnet about instruments.

Judy Smallweed

Also known as Judith Smallweed · Judy · the twin

Bart Smallweed’s twin sister and granddaughter of the elderly Smallweeds. She now appears to be living at Krook’s former shop and tells Allan that Miss Flite lodges with Mrs. Blinder.

Mrs. Blinder

Also known as chandler’s shopkeeper · Mrs. Blinder of Bell Yard

A good-natured older woman who keeps the chandler’s shop in Bell Yard and rents rooms. Miss Flite lives with her, but the house is full when Allan seeks a place for Jo.

unnamed man who ordered Jo away

Also known as the person who ordered Jo to keep out of the way

An unnamed man who had Jo put in a hospital, gave him money, and ordered him to leave London and stay away. Jo fears that this man can see and hear everything; Mr. George identifies him as Mr. Bucket.

breakfast-stall keeper

Also known as keeper of the breakfast-stall

An unnamed person who serves Jo coffee and bread and butter while Allan Woodcourt tries to revive him.

sergeant at the guardhouse

Also known as sergeant

An unnamed sergeant at the Deal barracks who directs Esther to Richard’s quarters.

soldier who guides Esther

Also known as man sent before Esther

An unnamed soldier who leads Esther through the Deal barracks to Richard’s room.

naval officers returning from sea

Also known as some naval officers

Unnamed naval officers landing from a boat at Deal. Esther and Charley stop to watch them, and Esther recognizes Allan Woodcourt among the returning party.

Deal hotel waiter

Also known as waiter

An unnamed waiter at the Deal hotel who tells Esther and Charley how many ships are lying in the Downs.

Mrs. Skimpole

Also known as Harold Skimpole’s wife

Harold Skimpole’s delicate, high-nosed, chronically ill wife and mother of his children. She remains behind with their daughters when Skimpole leaves with John Jarndyce.

Arethusa Skimpole

Also known as Beauty daughter

Harold and Mrs. Skimpole’s eldest daughter, known in her father’s playful naming scheme as Beauty. She is married and has two children, who live with their parents.

Laura Skimpole

Also known as Sentiment daughter

Harold and Mrs. Skimpole’s daughter, called Sentiment by her father. She and her sisters complain when their father leaves home with John Jarndyce.

Kitty Skimpole

Also known as Comedy daughter

Harold and Mrs. Skimpole’s daughter, called Comedy by her father. She and her sisters complain when their father leaves home with John Jarndyce.

Arethusa’s husband

Also known as Beauty daughter’s husband

An unnamed young man who married Arethusa Skimpole three years earlier and lives with her and their children in the Skimpole household.

Arethusa’s two children

Also known as Beauty daughter’s children · young fledglings

Arethusa Skimpole’s two unnamed children, who live with their parents in a nest upstairs in the Skimpole household.

Skimpole’s sons

Also known as his sons

Harold Skimpole’s unnamed sons, who have run away from home at various times.

the Skimpoles’ baker

Also known as rough kind of fellow · human hedgehog

An unnamed baker in the Skimpoles’ neighborhood who lent them two armchairs and later demanded them back after they were worn out.

gardener who sells grapes to Skimpole

Also known as amiable gardener

An unnamed gardener who sells grapes to Harold Skimpole and waits to be paid.

Will

Also known as Will in the narrator’s imagined marriage

A man mentioned only in the narrator’s image of ordinary people dreaming of marriage to a Will or Sally.

Sally

Also known as Sally in the narrator’s imagined marriage

A woman mentioned only in the narrator’s image of ordinary people dreaming of marriage to a Will or Sally.

lamp-lighter

Also known as lamplighter

An unnamed man lighting the lamps in the court-yard outside Tulkinghorn’s chambers as Tulkinghorn arrives.

the Skimpoles’ Spanish refugee neighbors

Also known as poor Spanish refugees

Unnamed poor Spanish refugees who walk about the Polygon in Somers Town wearing cloaks and smoking small paper cigars.

melancholy apprentice at Turveydrop’s

Also known as little boy apprentice

An unnamed boy apprenticed to Prince Turveydrop’s dancing business. He dances with some enjoyment, though only in his legs, and the two outdoor apprentices pull his hair.

three other apprentices at Turveydrop’s

Also known as two other boys and a girl apprentice

Three unnamed young apprentices at Prince Turveydrop’s dancing business: two boys and a small girl. The boys eat their meal in the academy after practice.

girl apprentice at Turveydrop’s

Also known as dirty little limp girl · little gauzy child

An unnamed young apprentice who studies dancing with Prince Turveydrop. She dances in a gauzy dress, says she dislikes dancing with boys, and leaves contemptuously after practice.

Krook’s cat

Also known as such a cat

Krook’s cat, which stays near him in the shop and snarls at his remains after his death.

Lady Jane

Also known as Krook’s cat

Krook’s large grey cat, who survives the fire and prowls the rooftops before returning through the chimney. In the old room she snarls at Mr. Weevle and spits at Mr. Tulkinghorn.

Young Smallweed

Also known as Smallweed · Small · Chick · Chick Weed · Small and Chick Weed · Bart · Bartholomew Smallweed · the Elfin Smallweed

A lawyer’s clerk and protégé of Mr. Guppy, born a twin with Judy Smallweed. He has left Kenge and Carboy’s to take on his grandfather’s business and helps search Krook’s shop for property.

two newspaper reporters

Also known as public chroniclers of such inquiries · two gentlemen not very neat about the cuffs and buttons

Two unnamed reporters who visit houses around Krook’s after his death and write accounts for the newspapers. They are seen near the court, each now prowling separately after their partnership has dissolved.

Mrs. Piper

Also known as Anastasia Piper

A married woman from the court whose husband is a cabinet-maker. She and Mrs. Perkins spread neighborhood gossip about Krook’s estate and the Smallweeds’ search.

Mrs. Perkins

A woman living in the court who renewed her friendly relations with Mrs. Piper after Nemo’s death. She and Mrs. Piper share gossip about the Smallweeds and Krook’s property.

Little Swills

Also known as comic vocalist · Mr. Swills

A comic vocalist who performs at the Sol’s Arms. He adapts his patter to the public’s fascination with the Smallweeds’ search of Krook’s shop.

Miss M. Melvilleson

Also known as the young lady of professional celebrity · noted siren

A singer at the Sol’s Arms Harmonic Meetings who is publicly announced as unmarried, though Mrs. Perkins says she has been married for a year and a half and has a baby. Her songs now include jokes about the Smallweeds’ search for money.

Lord Coodle

A political figure satirically depicted as a party leader whose dispute with Sir Thomas Doodle leaves the country without a government for several weeks.

Sir Thomas Doodle

A political figure satirically depicted as a party leader who eventually joins the government with his relatives and followers.

young Coodle

The young son or heir of Lord Coodle, imagined as having to wait until adulthood to govern if his father and Sir Thomas Doodle had killed each other.

young Doodle

The young son or heir of Sir Thomas Doodle, imagined as having to wait until adulthood to govern if his father and Lord Coodle had killed each other.

Thomas

Also known as groom at Chesney Wold

An unnamed groom who tells Mrs. Rouncewell that Lady Dedlock has been poorly and kept largely to her room during a recent stay at Chesney Wold.

Honourable Bob Stables

Also known as Bob Stables

A fashionable Dedlock cousin, a skilled shot and maker of warm mashes, who longs for a well-paid, low-responsibility public post. He is useful to Sir Leicester as a dinner guest and supporter at the Hunt.

the townsman’s daughter

Also known as the girl in Mr. Tulkinghorn’s story

An unnamed young woman in Mr. Tulkinghorn’s account, whose father takes her away when he learns that a great lady has been patronizing her. The story closely parallels Lady Dedlock’s relationship with Rosa, but the names are withheld.

the great lady in Mr. Tulkinghorn’s story

Also known as the wealthy lady in the story

An unnamed wealthy, beautiful woman in Mr. Tulkinghorn’s story who kept a townsman’s daughter near her. She had secretly borne a child by a young army captain before her marriage; the parallel strongly points to Lady Dedlock.

young army captain in Mr. Tulkinghorn’s story

Also known as the captain in the army

An unnamed young army captain who fathered a child with the great lady in Mr. Tulkinghorn’s story. He died before the secret was discovered; the account parallels Captain Hawdon’s relationship with Lady Dedlock.

Mr. Boythorn’s housekeeper

Also known as good housekeeper

An unnamed, cheerful housekeeper at Boythorn’s home who persistently brings Esther food and drink while she recovers.

Stubbs

Also known as pony

Esther’s chubby, short-necked pony, who canters when coaxed but is stubborn about pulling a chaise. He becomes fond of Esther and follows her when she walks beside him.

old woman with sailor grandson

Also known as old old woman

An unnamed village woman whose sailor grandson is away at sea. Esther writes him a letter for her and draws the chimney-corner where he was raised.

old woman’s sailor grandson

Also known as sailor grandson

An unnamed sailor and grandson of the old village woman. From Plymouth, he replies that he plans to take Esther’s drawing to America and write again.

child who asks about Esther’s face

Also known as child

An unnamed village child who asks why Esther is no longer pretty as before, then gently touches her altered face with sympathy.

bridegroom who marks the register

Also known as bridegroom

An unnamed labouring man who cannot yet write and signs the marriage register with a mark. His bride plans to teach him and quietly protects him from shame.

bride who marks the register

Also known as bride

An unnamed young village woman, formerly one of the prettiest and most accomplished pupils at the school. She loves her husband and, knowing he cannot write, signs the marriage register with a mark so he will not be embarrassed.

Mr. Grubble

Also known as W. Grubble · landlord of the Dedlock Arms

The pleasant, stoutish, middle-aged landlord of the Dedlock Arms, who sends Esther a discreet message asking her to come to the tavern. He receives her in his parlour before Richard appears.

Mrs. Grubble

Also known as Mr. Grubble’s wife

The unnamed wife of the Dedlock Arms landlord. Charley says she is beautiful but has a badly healed broken ankle.

Mrs. Grubble’s brother

Also known as sawyer put in the cage

An unnamed sawyer and brother of Mrs. Grubble, who was put in the village cage. Charley says he is expected to drink himself to death.

Ada and Richard’s unnamed cousin John

An unnamed cousin called John, whom Esther finds talking with Ada after Skimpole’s debt has been paid. The passage gives no further information about him.

W. Grubble’s sign painter

Also known as painter of the Dedlock Arms sign

An unnamed person identified only through the inn sign, “The Dedlock Arms, by W. Grubble.”

Mr. Vholes’s clerk

Also known as one of Vholes’s clerks

An unnamed clerk in Mr. Vholes’s office who tells him that Richard’s case has unexpectedly appeared in the Chancellor’s paper.

Mr. Vholes’s grandmother

Also known as dear grandmother

Mr. Vholes’s late grandmother, who died at the age of 102.

Richard and Ada’s deceased parents

Also known as the parents who made them orphans

The unnamed parents of Richard and Ada, whose deaths left both children orphaned when they were very young.

mother of the melancholy apprentice

Also known as ginger-beer shopkeeper

An unnamed woman who keeps a ginger-beer shop and is the mother of the melancholy boy apprenticed to Prince Turveydrop.

Mr. Krook

Also known as Krook · the Chancellor · Krook, the Chancellor

A short, withered old man who owned a rag-and-bottle shop and died in a fire at his lodging-house. His death draws public attention and an inquest; his remains and effects become the subject of a claim by the Smallweeds.

Countess Cornelia de Baudi Cesenate

A woman whose death was cited as a reported case of spontaneous combustion.

Giuseppe Bianchini

A prebendary of Verona who wrote a scholarly account of the Countess Cornelia de Baudi Cesenate’s death.

Le Cat

A renowned French surgeon who wrote about a reported case of spontaneous combustion that occurred in a house where he lived.

Messrs. Fodere and Mere

Two French investigators of spontaneous combustion, mentioned as authorities on the subject.

coroner

An unnamed coroner who presides over the inquest into Nemo’s death and later holds an inquiry into Krook’s unusual death.

Joe Pouch’s widow

Also known as the widow of Joe Pouch

An unnamed widow in North America whom Mr. George once considered marrying. Mrs. Bagnet jokes that marrying her might have spared him his present troubles.

unnamed veiled woman

Also known as the lady in the veil · the other one

An unnamed woman whose clothes Mademoiselle Hortense once wore to test Jo’s memory. She later visits Jenny’s cottage, asks after Esther’s health, and takes Esther’s handkerchief while leaving money; her identity is not established.

Miss Flite’s father

Also known as her father

Miss Flite’s late father, who had a builder’s business with her brother and was ruined by Chancery before dying in a debtors’ prison.

Miss Flite’s brother

Also known as her brother

Miss Flite’s late brother, who was drawn into drunkenness, rags, and death after Chancery ruined the family.

Miss Flite’s sister

Also known as her sister

Miss Flite’s late sister, who was also drawn into the family’s Chancery misfortunes; Miss Flite does not specify what happened to her.

Sir Leicester Dedlock’s father

Also known as the late Sir Leicester

The deceased father of Sir Leicester Dedlock, whose portrait hangs beside Lady Dedlock’s portrait at Chesney Wold.

comforting neighbor’s husband

Also known as her master

An unnamed abusive man whom Liz fears will hurt her if he finds Jo at their home. He is mentioned but does not appear directly.

Bleak House servants who cared for Jo

Also known as active sympathizers among the servants · men about the house

Unnamed servants who help prepare a room for Jo and carry him there, wrapped against the rain. They show him kindness and keep watch overnight.

Bleak House messenger for Jo

Also known as messenger charged to deliver the letter

An unnamed messenger who is assigned to deliver John Jarndyce’s letter on Jo’s behalf at daybreak.

doctor attending Esther and Charley

Also known as Charley’s doctor

An unnamed doctor who treats Charley and later sees Esther when she falls ill. Esther asks him not to disclose her illness to the household.

Mrs. Perkins’s son

Also known as young Perkins

An unnamed young man whose having struck young Piper once caused a quarrel between Mrs. Perkins and Mrs. Piper. He fetches his mother’s supper and sends the children to bed.

Mrs. Piper’s son

Also known as Alexander James Piper · young Piper

Mrs. Piper’s eighteen-month-old son, whose painful teething once prompted a neighborhood half-baptizing because he was not expected to live. He joins a group of children playing hide-and-seek and fetches the fire-engines when Krook dies.

landlord of the Sol’s Arms

Also known as James George Bogsby · Mr. Bogsby

An unnamed publican who hosts the inquest and promotes Little Swills as an entertainer. He keeps the tavern open and welcomes Weevle and Guppy during the excitement after Krook’s death.

Miss M. Melvilleson’s baby

Also known as the singer’s baby

The unnamed baby of Miss M. Melvilleson, secretly brought to the Sol’s Arms during her performances to be fed.

pot-boy of the Sol’s Arms

Also known as pot-boy

An unnamed tavern worker who predicts a rush of customers when he hears of Krook’s death.

policemen guarding Krook’s house

Also known as two policemen

Two unnamed policemen left to guard Krook’s house after his death and control the crowd.

fireman at Krook’s house

Also known as the helmet

An unnamed fireman who remains outside Krook’s house with a policeman after the fire engines are summoned.

Krook’s sister

Also known as Mrs. Smallweed’s brother’s sister

The unnamed sister of Krook, identified as Mrs. Smallweed; her family claims Krook’s estate after his death.

Mr. Tulkinghorn’s clerk

Also known as clerk in the chambers

An unnamed clerk in Mr. Tulkinghorn’s chambers who tells the police that Tulkinghorn will vouch for the Smallweeds’ next-of-kin claim and arrange to take possession of Krook’s papers and effects.

Mr. Smallweed’s solicitor

Also known as solicitor acting for the Smallweeds

Mr. Tulkinghorn, whom Grandfather Smallweed says represents the family in its claim to Krook’s property.

undertaker

Also known as the undertaker

An unnamed undertaker who receives orders to make a full-sized coffin for Krook despite there being little left to bury.

Captain Hawdon

Also known as Mr. Hawdon · the captain

A former captain and law-writer who died at Krook’s lodging-house. Mr. Guppy tells Lady Dedlock that Hawdon left old letters, while the passage reveals that Esther was given the birth name Esther Hawdon.

unnamed former servant of Miss Barbary

Also known as Guppy’s witness

An unnamed woman who served Miss Barbary while she brought Esther up. She told Mr. Guppy that Miss Barbary once confided Esther’s birth name was Esther Hawdon.

Nemo

Also known as law-writer · Hawdon

A poor, reclusive law-writer whose name was Captain Hawdon. He copied legal documents for Snagsby and lodged above Krook’s shop, where he died of an opium overdose.

Jellyby children

Also known as the little Jellybys

The unnamed younger children of Mr. and Mrs. Jellyby, including Peepy and his little brothers and sisters. They are left largely uncared for and celebrate Caddy’s wedding in their attic.

Morgan ap-Kerrig

Also known as Morgan ap-Kerrig of Gimlet

Mrs. Woodcourt’s eminent Welsh ancestor, whom she describes as illustrious and descended from a royal family. She takes pride in his lineage, which she says her son Allan inherits.

Crumlinwallinwer

Also known as the bard

A bard who, according to Mrs. Woodcourt, sang the praises of her ancestor Morgan ap-Kerrig in a poem.

Mewlinnwillinwodd

A Welsh poet or bard whose verses Mrs. Woodcourt recites in praise of Morgan ap-Kerrig’s lineage; the passage gives no further information.

Mrs. Woodcourt’s late husband

Also known as the MacCoorts of MacCoort descendant

Allan Woodcourt’s deceased father, descended from the Highland MacCoorts of MacCoort. He served as an officer in the Royal Highlanders and died on the battlefield.

Caddy’s wedding guests

Also known as guests at Caddy’s wedding breakfast

A small gathering of people devoted to public causes, including Mr. and Mrs. Pardiggle, Mr. Quale, Miss Wisk, an unnamed neglectful philanthropist, and an unnamed contentious man.

Miss Wisk

An unmarried woman at Caddy’s wedding who is engaged to Mr. Quale. She advocates women’s emancipation from men and objects to the idea that women’s mission is chiefly domestic.

neglectful philanthropist at Caddy’s wedding

Also known as extremely dirty lady

An unnamed woman at Caddy’s wedding whose own home is neglected, though she keeps her church like a fair. Caddy describes her household as filthy.

contentious gentleman at Caddy’s wedding

Also known as everybody’s brother

An unnamed man at Caddy’s wedding who claims his mission is to be everybody’s brother but appears estranged from his large family.

unnamed boy employed by Mrs. Jellyby

Also known as unwholesome boy · the boy

An unnamed, unhealthy-looking boy employed by Mrs. Jellyby to do the writing and work Caddy once performed. He takes his meals outside the house.

the ’prentices

Also known as Mr. Snagsby’s two apprentices · Snagsby’s two apprentices

Two unnamed apprentices who work in Mr. Snagsby’s law-stationery shop. They attend Mr. Chadband’s gathering, giggle and nudge each other during his sermon, and are among those he addresses.

Lord Boodle

A political figure named among the many relations claimed by Sir Leicester Dedlock.

Noodle

A figure named at the end of a satirical list of relations claimed by Sir Leicester Dedlock.

Mr. Badger

Also known as Mr. Bayham Badger · Bayham Badger

A Chelsea medical practitioner who took Richard into his home and supervised his medical studies. Richard leaves his medical training, having decided it does not suit him.

stubborn little girl pupil

Also known as not very hopeful pupil

An unnamed young girl taking a dancing lesson from Prince Turveydrop. She has a sulky expression and a deep voice, and her lesson ends when Caddy and Esther arrive.

the pupil’s mother

Also known as inanimate, dissatisfied mama

An unnamed woman accompanying Prince Turveydrop’s young pupil. Esther describes her as inanimate and dissatisfied.

Mr. Quale

A loquacious young philanthropist who admires reformers and their causes. Mrs. Jellyby says he had shown interest in Caddy, who tells her mother she detests him.

Lord Chancellor

Also known as Lord High Chancellor · his lordship

The presiding judge in the Court of Chancery, who hears Jarndyce and Jarndyce. He grants Richard’s application for an ensign’s commission after repeatedly adjourning and referring the matter.

unnamed physician

Also known as physician called to George’s Shooting Gallery

An unnamed elderly physician with grey hair and spectacles, summoned to visit a sick man at George’s Shooting Gallery. Mr. Bucket uses his arrival as a disguise.

unnamed man in green-baize cap

Also known as little man in a green-baize cap and apron

An unnamed, singular-looking man whose face, hands, and clothes are blackened. He opens the door to George’s Shooting Gallery.

Mr. George’s pupils

Also known as pupils at George’s Shooting Gallery

Unnamed people, both locals and foreigners, who practise shooting and fencing at George’s gallery. Mr. George says they range from gentlemen to apprentices and include people he considers mad.

Gridley’s peace-warrant sureties

Also known as the lawyers against whom Gridley threatened violence

Unnamed people involved in swearing the peace against Gridley after his anger toward the lawyers in his Chancery case.

boy who fetched the physician

Also known as Mr. George’s young man

An unnamed young man who requested that a physician visit a sick person at George’s Shooting Gallery.

two gentlemen handling Mr. Jellyby’s affairs

Also known as the two gentlemen

Unnamed men in the bankrupt Mr. Jellyby’s dining-room, surrounded by account books, papers, and blue bags as they try to understand his affairs.

Mrs. Jellyby’s employed boy

Also known as the boy

An unnamed boy whom Mrs. Jellyby employs to do work that Caddy used to perform. He is at dinner when Esther and Caddy visit.

twenty-three Chancery barristers

Also known as gentlemen in wigs

Unnamed barristers who appear in Jarndyce and Jarndyce at court. They contradict one another and leave the case without a result.

Chancery solicitors

Also known as solicitors in court

Unnamed solicitors who sit below the judge with bundles of papers during the court proceedings.

Chancery clerks bringing papers

Also known as clerks

Unnamed clerks who bring in heaps of papers for Jarndyce and Jarndyce and begin bundling them away before the hearing ends.

Smallweed’s son

Also known as Mr. Smallweed’s son · Bart and Judy’s father

The deceased son of Grandfather and Grandmother Smallweed, and father of the twins Bart and Judy. He was a careful accountant and business partner to his father, and died of a low fever fifteen years before this passage.

Smallweed’s daughter-in-law

Also known as Bart and Judy’s mother

The deceased wife of Grandfather Smallweed’s son and mother of Bart and Judy. Described as prudent and austere, she died after the twins were born.

Smallweed’s great-grandfather

Also known as father of Mr. Smallweed’s grandfather

A deceased ancestor of the Smallweed family who built wealth through moneylending and compound interest. After suffering a business loss, he ended his life.

Smallweed’s great-great-grandfather

Also known as father of the father of Mr. Smallweed’s grandfather

A deceased ancestor described as a money-getting lender who taught his son to enter business early. He ended his life after a failed enterprise.

watchman who found Phil

Also known as watchman

An unnamed watchman who found Phil lying in a gutter and tumbled over him.

Mr. George’s shooting-gallery patrons

Also known as customers at George’s Shooting Gallery

Unnamed customers who use the shooting gallery. Phil reports that they have fired rifles and pistols poorly that evening.

proprietress of Jo’s lodging-house

Also known as proprietress of the house

An unnamed, drunken woman who runs the place where Jo sleeps in Tom-all-Alone’s. She helps Mr. Bucket and Mr. Snagsby establish that the boy known as Toughy is Jo.

Jenny’s dead child

Also known as Jenny’s baby · Jenny’s dead baby

Jenny’s deceased child, whose death remains a source of grief and makes her especially tender toward Liz’s infant.

Darby

Also known as constable on duty at Tom-all-Alone’s

An unnamed constable on duty at the entrance to Tom-all-Alone’s, who lends Mr. Bucket a bull’s-eye lamp and accompanies him and Snagsby through the district.

brickmaker sleeping in the lodging-house

Also known as one of the two brickmakers

An unnamed brickmaker from St Albans who has come to London with his wife in search of work. Mr. Bucket finds him asleep in the lodging-house.

the fever patient in the palanquin

Also known as unseen wretch

An unnamed sick person carried through Tom-all-Alone’s in a shabby palanquin, surrounded by a crowd.

keeper’s wife

Also known as keeper’s wife

An unnamed woman, likely the keeper’s wife, who watches Hortense walk through the wet grass and comments on her passion. Esther and Ada often stop at the lodge to speak with her.

Lady Dedlock’s man

Also known as affectionate man

An unnamed male servant who travels with Sir Leicester and Lady Dedlock.

Boythorn’s canary

Also known as little canary · his bird

A tame canary beloved by Lawrence Boythorn, who says he has provided an annuity for its care if it outlives him. It hops about Boythorn’s head.

Sir Leicester Dedlock’s coachman

Also known as coachman at Chesney Wold

An unnamed coachman who is described as a stately, handsome old servant and attends church with the household.

keeper

Also known as keeper at the lodge

An unnamed keeper who tends the lodge in the park and shelters Esther, Ada, and John Jarndyce during a storm. He also explains that Hortense is proud, passionate, and resentful of her treatment by Lady Dedlock.

young judge in town

Also known as the only judge in town

An unnamed judge who sits in chambers twice a week during the long vacation.

police constable

Also known as constable

An unnamed constable who takes Jo into custody for failing to move on, despite Mr. Snagsby’s attempt to explain that he knows the boy. He makes Jo leave the neighborhood.

Mr. Guppy’s friend

Also known as the other young gentleman · Mr. Guppy’s unnamed friend

An unnamed young lawyer who accompanied Mr. Guppy to Chesney Wold. He is not otherwise identified.

waitress at the slap-bang dining-house

Also known as Polly

An unnamed waitress, called Polly by Smallweed, who serves Guppy, Smallweed, and Jobling at their neighborhood dining-house.

young clerk’s father

Also known as the articled clerk’s father

An unnamed man living in the country, visited by his son, an articled clerk at Kenge and Carboy’s, during the long vacation.

unnamed lady at the cigar-shop

Also known as lady at a cigar-shop

A woman near Chancery Lane whom Young Smallweed is said to love.

Young Smallweed’s former fiancée

Also known as the other lady

An unnamed woman to whom Young Smallweed was once engaged; he is said to have broken off the engagement.

Kenge and Carboy’s articled clerk

Also known as the articled clerk

An unnamed clerk at Kenge and Carboy’s who has taken a shooting license and gone to visit his father during the long vacation.

two fellow-stipendiaries at Kenge and Carboy’s

Also known as Mr. Guppy’s two fellow-stipendiaries

Two unnamed clerks at Kenge and Carboy’s who are away on leave during the long vacation.

unowned dogs in the Inns of Court

Unowned dogs that stray into the Inns of Court and pant about the staircases in the heat.

blind men’s dogs

Unnamed dogs that guide blind men through the hot London streets.

enslaved people on American plantations

Also known as slaves on American plantations

People enslaved on American plantations, whom Skimpole callously describes as adding poetry to the landscape for him.

keeper’s dog

A dog belonging to the keeper, once seen diving into the fern beside the lodge.

Mr. Jobling’s creditors

Also known as creditors

Unnamed creditors who made complaints at Kenge and Carboy’s office about Jobling’s unpaid debts and helped end his professional connection there.

Gridley’s father

Also known as the farmer

The deceased father of Gridley and his brother, who left his farm and stock to his wife for life and then to Gridley, with a £300 legacy for the other son.

Gridley’s mother

The late mother of Gridley and his brother, who held their father’s estate for her lifetime.

Gridley’s brother

Also known as the other son

Gridley’s brother, who claimed a £300 legacy under their father’s will. Their dispute over whether he had already received part of it led to the Chancery suit that ruined Gridley.

Coavinses

Also known as the stranger in the white coat · the strange man · Neckett

A debt officer who arrested Harold Skimpole and has since died. His name was Neckett; Mrs. Blinder says he gave a guinea to help his children, and other debt officers also contributed.

Coavinses’ successor

Also known as successor of Coavinses · new officer

An unnamed debt officer who succeeds Neckett and takes possession of Mr. Skimpole’s house. He tells Skimpole that Neckett left three children and no mother.

Jo’s drover’s dog

Also known as drover’s dog

An educated working dog waiting outside a butcher’s shop while its master is away. It listens to a band with Jo and is described as skilled at herding sheep.

Zoodle

A named figure at the end of a satirical list of office-holders who would not remedy the misery of Tom-all-Alone’s even over centuries.

Mrs. Bayham Badger

Also known as Mrs. Badger · Mrs. Swosser · Mrs. Dingo

Mr. Bayham Badger’s wife, about fifty, who was once passionately in love with her first husband, Captain Swosser. Drawing on her experience with young men in the Navy and at Professor Dingo’s lectures, she doubts that Richard is suited to medicine.

Captain Swosser

Mrs. Bayham Badger’s first husband, a distinguished Royal Navy officer who fell in love with her aboard the ship Crippler. She recalls his advice about applying oneself fully to one’s profession.

Professor Dingo

Mrs. Bayham Badger’s second husband, a botanist of European reputation whom Mr. Bayham Badger attended in his final illness. He was devoted to science and kept chipping with his geological hammer even while delirious.

coachman’s father

An unnamed man whom Lawrence Boythorn calls a profligate coachman, as he does the coachman’s uncle.

coachman’s uncle

An unnamed man whom Lawrence Boythorn calls a profligate coachman, as he does the coachman’s father.

Boythorn’s grey horse

Also known as comely grey horse

Lawrence Boythorn’s horse, which he rides alongside the carriage on the way to his home and dismounts from to welcome his guests.

Sir Leicester Dedlock’s uncle

An unnamed man whom Lawrence Boythorn describes as one of the most profligate coachmen to have sat on a box.

Mrs. Turveydrop

Also known as the meek little dancing-mistress · the sainted mother

The late wife of Mr. Turveydrop and mother of Prince. She worked herself to death to maintain her husband and, on her deathbed, urged Prince to honor and care for his father.

Mr. Rouncewell’s late father

Also known as old Squire Tom · Squire Tom

A deceased Jarndyce family member whom Krook says he knew. Krook refers to him as old Squire Tom.

Coavinses’ blue-eyed daughter

Also known as Mr. Skimpole’s blue-eyed daughter

An unnamed daughter of Mr. Skimpole, mentioned as having celebrated her birthday on the day Coavinses’ successor came to the house.

Coavinses’ three children

Also known as Neckett’s children

Neckett’s three orphaned children, left without their mother and living in poverty in Bell Yard. They are Charley, Tom, and Emma.

the boy at Coavinses’ Castle

Also known as hideous boy at the spiked wicket

An unnamed boy who watches the spiked entrance at the debt officers’ office in Cursitor Street. He tells Jarndyce that the dead officer was Neckett and gives the address of Neckett’s children.

Neckett’s wife

Also known as Neckett children’s mother

The unnamed wife of Neckett and mother of Charley, Tom, and Emma. She died shortly after Emma was born.

Neckett’s former calling

Also known as the follower

An unnamed debt officer, mentioned by Mrs. Blinder as having lodged in her house before Neckett. She once gave him notice because other lodgers objected to his occupation, but kept him after finding him punctual and diligent.

Mr. Skimpole’s butcher

Also known as the butcher

An unnamed butcher who supplied Mr. Skimpole with meat and demanded payment for his bill. Skimpole recounts using the man’s literal delivery of meat to argue that intended payment should count as payment.

Mr. Skimpole’s medical attendant

Also known as the doctor

An unnamed doctor who treated Mr. Skimpole during an illness. Skimpole claims that his intention to pay doubled or quadrupled fees should count as payment.

censorious old lady at the dancing academy

Also known as old lady of the censorious countenance

An unnamed older woman whose two nieces attend Prince Turveydrop’s dancing class. She criticizes Mr. Turveydrop’s idleness and recounts how he exploited his wife and depends on his son.

censorious old lady’s nieces

Also known as the two nieces

Two unnamed girls who attend Prince Turveydrop’s dancing class and are the nieces of the censorious old lady.

young lady pupils at Turveydrop’s academy

Also known as dancing pupils

Unnamed girls and young women, ranging from about thirteen to their early twenties, who attend Prince Turveydrop’s dancing class.

beadle

Also known as active and intelligent · Mooney

A district beadle who is summoned after Nemo’s death, arranges the inquest, and escorts the body for burial. The text identifies him in the press as Mooney, the active and intelligent beadle, and depicts him as inept and eager for public recognition.

policeman

An unnamed policeman who keeps order outside Krook’s shop during the crowds after Nemo’s death and later attends the inquest proceedings.

Mrs. Piper’s husband

An unnamed cabinet-maker and Mrs. Piper’s husband, mentioned in her inquest testimony.

Mrs. Green’s son

An unnamed law-writer who knew Nemo better than anyone, according to neighborhood talk. He is away aboard a vessel bound for China and is not available to testify.

juryman attentive to Jo

An unnamed juryman who asks the coroner whether Jo’s testimony can be received.

professional celebrity who chairs the Harmonic Meetings

An unnamed gentleman who chairs the musical evenings at the Sol’s Arms, where Little Swills performs.

paupers assisting the burial

Unnamed paupers whom the beadle gathers to help take Nemo’s body away for burial.

Nemo’s mother

An unnamed woman recalled by the narrator as the loving mother at whose breast Nemo once nestled as a baby. The text wonders where she is at the time of his burial.

woman who once held Nemo in her heart

An unnamed woman who may once have loved Nemo; the narrator wonders where she is while he is buried.

James

An unnamed servant in the Bayham Badger household who is asked to bring Professor Dingo’s goblet and Captain Swosser’s wine.

Mr. Kenge’s cousin

Also known as Mr. Bayham Badger

Mr. Kenge’s cousin in the medical profession, a Chelsea practitioner who agrees to receive Richard into his household and supervise his medical studies.

Mrs. Pardiggle

A forceful charitable campaigner who brings Esther and Ada on visits to poor families. Her loud, systematic approach alienates the brickmaker’s household, though Esther and Ada stay to comfort them.

Egbert Pardiggle

Also known as Egbert

Mrs. Pardiggle’s twelve-year-old eldest son, whose pocket money is controlled by his mother. He and his brothers pinch Esther during the visit to the brickmaker.

Oswald Pardiggle

Also known as Oswald

Mrs. Pardiggle’s ten-and-a-half-year-old second son, whose charitable contributions and allowance are controlled by his mother. He joins his brothers in pinching Esther.

Francis Pardiggle

Also known as Francis

Mrs. Pardiggle’s nine-year-old third son, whose charitable contributions and allowance are controlled by his mother. He joins his brothers in pinching Esther.

Felix Pardiggle

Also known as Felix

Mrs. Pardiggle’s seven-year-old fourth son. He stamps on Esther’s toes during the walk to the brickmaker’s.

Alfred Pardiggle

Also known as Alfred · Bond of Joy

Mrs. Pardiggle’s five-year-old youngest son, enrolled in the Infant Bonds of Joy and denied cakes as well as tobacco. Esther calls him the Bond of Joy during the visit.

brickmaker’s baby

Also known as the little child · the child

The brickmaker and Jenny’s sick infant, who dies while Ada and Esther are visiting. Esther covers the baby’s body with her handkerchief.

brickmaker’s son

Also known as powerful young man

An unnamed young man in the brickmaker’s household who fastens a collar on a dog and later takes the dog outside. He is seen with the dog on the way to the drinking-house that night.

brickmaker’s daughter

Also known as bold girl · sister

An unnamed girl in the brickmaker’s household who is washing in dirty water during Mrs. Pardiggle’s visit. Later she stands laughing with other young women and turns away when Esther and Ada pass.

friends of the brickmaker’s son

Also known as two friends of the young man

Two unnamed men who gather in the cottage doorway and laugh along with the brickmaker’s son and daughter.

brickmaker’s dog

Also known as the dog

A dog in the brickmaker’s household, collared by the young man and made to bark during Mrs. Pardiggle’s visit.

Boythorn’s man

Also known as Mr. Boythorn’s man

An unnamed servant of Lawrence Boythorn who accompanies him to Bleak House and brings Boythorn’s canary into the dining room.

Boythorn’s canary’s father

Also known as the canary’s father

A canary, mentioned by Boythorn as having been one of the most astonishing birds he ever knew.

Mr. Peffer

Also known as Peffer

The deceased former partner of Mr. Snagsby, with whom Snagsby established the law-stationery business. He has been buried for twenty-five years.

Mr. Tulkinghorn’s middle-aged man

Also known as middle-aged man in the pew

An unnamed, often idle man who sits in the hall of Mr. Tulkinghorn’s chambers. He knows little about the lawyer’s clients or affairs.

Scotch medical man

Also known as testy medical man

An unnamed doctor with a broad Scottish accent, summoned to examine Nemo. He pronounces Nemo dead and estimates he has been dead for about three hours.

Bleak House housemaid with keys

An unnamed maid who brings Esther the housekeeping and cellar keys and later summons her to Skimpole’s room when he is arrested for debt.

Sir Morbury Dedlock

A former owner of Chesney Wold during the English Civil War, described by Mrs. Rouncewell as a royalist. His wife opposed the royalist cause, and their troubled marriage is central to the legend of the Ghost’s Walk.

Lady Morbury Dedlock

Also known as Sir Morbury Dedlock’s Lady · Sir Morbury’s Lady

Sir Morbury Dedlock’s wife, said to have aided the royalist cause’s enemies and hated the Dedlock family after her brother was killed by Sir Morbury’s kinsman. According to the family legend, she was lamed during a struggle in the stables, died on the terrace, and vowed to walk there until the family’s pride was humbled.

Lady Morbury Dedlock’s brother

Also known as her favourite brother

A young gentleman and brother of Lady Morbury Dedlock, killed in the civil wars by a close kinsman of Sir Morbury Dedlock.

Sir Morbury Dedlock’s near kinsman

Also known as Sir Morbury’s near kinsman

An unnamed close relative of Sir Morbury Dedlock who killed Lady Morbury’s brother in the civil wars.

young gardener at Chesney Wold

Also known as the young gardener

An unnamed young gardener who opens the shutters during the tour of Chesney Wold and guides Mr. Guppy and his friend downstairs.

old roan horse

Also known as the old roan

A horse in the Chesney Wold stables, famous for cross-country work. The narrator imagines him recalling open-air rides during the rain.

grey horse

Also known as the grey

A horse stabled at Chesney Wold who wistfully turns toward the door when it opens. The narrator imagines him anticipating a ride.

mastiff

A dog dozing in a kennel in the Chesney Wold courtyard. The narrator imagines him longing for sunshine, company, and something to worry besides himself and his chain.

Rouncewell’s younger son’s wife

Also known as Mrs. Rouncewell’s daughter-in-law

The wife of Mrs. Rouncewell’s younger son and mother of Watt; she is mentioned but does not appear.

Mrs. Rouncewell’s sons’ father

Also known as Watt’s grandfather

Mrs. Rouncewell’s late husband and Watt’s paternal grandfather.

Mr. Pardiggle

Also known as O. A. Pardiggle, F.R.S.

Mrs. Pardiggle’s husband and the father of her five sons. He contributes money to causes under his wife’s direction.

Mr. Gusher

A fervent, impassioned public speaker known to Mrs. Pardiggle, who says he can speak for hours at a public meeting.

person in pattens

Also known as Jellyby cook

An unnamed woman at the Jellybys’ house, apparently the cook. She pokes at a child with a broom and quarrels with the young woman who waits at dinner.

Jellyby housemaid with flannel bandage

Also known as young woman with the flannel bandage

An unnamed young woman with a swollen face bound in flannel who tends the fire, waits at dinner, and drives the Jellyby children to bed. Caddy says she drinks heavily.

Jellyby milkman

Also known as milkman

An unnamed milkman who tries to free Peepy from the railings by pulling his legs, before Esther suggests a safer way.

Jellyby beadle

Also known as beadle

An unnamed beadle who joins the milkman in trying to pull Peepy from the railings by his legs.

Jellyby child who falls downstairs

An unnamed Jellyby child who falls down a flight of stairs while Esther and Ada arrive. The passage does not establish whether this is Peepy or another child.

Jellyby child lost in Newgate Market

An unnamed Jellyby child who goes missing for an hour and a half and is brought home from Newgate Market by a policeman. The passage does not identify the child by name.

Tom Jarndyce

Also known as old Tom Jarndyce

A party to the Jarndyce family suit who often visited Krook’s shop and warned people to stay out of Chancery. In despair over his case, he shot himself at a tavern in Chancery Lane.

Mrs. Jellyby’s letter recipient

Also known as Mr. Swallow

A person to whom Mrs. Jellyby dictates a letter about the African project; no further information is given.

stagecoach gentleman

Also known as gentleman in the coach

An unnamed traveler who noticed Esther crying, offered her food, and advised her to study and be good. Esther recognizes him as John Jarndyce, who had encountered her on her journey to Reading six years earlier.

Jellyby post-boy

Also known as post-boy

An unnamed driver who takes Esther, Ada, and Richard to Bleak House and tells Richard that the waggon carrying John Jarndyce’s notes is going to London.

waggoner carrying John Jarndyce’s notes

Also known as waggoner

An unnamed waggoner who delivers John Jarndyce’s letters to Esther, Ada, and Richard while traveling toward London.

policeman who returns a Jellyby child

Also known as policeman

An unnamed policeman who brings a lost Jellyby child home from Newgate Market.

Jellyby cat

Also known as the cat

A cat in the Jellyby household that sometimes drinks the milk left for Mr. Jellyby.

Charles Dickens

Author of the book; excluded from the story’s character list.

Mr. Tangle

A Chancery barrister famed for his knowledge of Jarndyce and Jarndyce, which he has apparently studied to the exclusion of everything else.

Mr. Blowers

An eminent silk-gowned barrister mentioned in a joke about how long Jarndyce and Jarndyce may continue.

sallow prisoner

Also known as solitary surviving executor

A prisoner repeatedly brought before the court over contempt and disputed accounts he is not said to have understood.

Mr. Lewes

A friend of the author who published letters arguing that spontaneous combustion was impossible.

Megalosaurus

A dinosaur imagined by the narrator as a possible sight in the muddy streets of London.

Chancery advocate

Also known as large advocate with great whiskers

An unnamed barrister addressing the Chancellor in Jarndyce and Jarndyce; he has large whiskers, a small voice, and an interminable brief.

Chancery registrar

Also known as registrar

An unnamed court officer who sits below the judge.

very little counsel

Also known as cousin several times removed

An unnamed barrister who claims to represent a cousin of the young people in the suit, though he cannot specify their degree of relation.

young girl in Jarndyce and Jarndyce

Also known as young girl

One of two young people whose residence with their grandfather is being considered by the Chancellor; she is not identified by name here.

young boy in Jarndyce and Jarndyce

Also known as young boy

One of two young people whose residence with their grandfather is being considered by the Chancellor; he is not identified by name here.

Mr. Sladdery

A librarian who boasts that he can steer fashionable society’s tastes and influence its leaders.

Dolly

Also known as Esther’s doll · dear old doll

Esther Summerson’s childhood doll and confidante, to whom she tells her secrets when she is lonely.

Esther’s father

Also known as Esther’s papa

Esther’s absent father, whom Esther has never known; no further information about him is given here.

Mrs. Rachael’s daughter

The daughter of Esther’s household servant, whom Esther remembers visiting her mother every fortnight.

Miss Donny

A schoolmistress who takes Esther in at Greenleaf and oversees her education in accordance with her guardian Mr. Jarndyce’s wishes.

Miss Donny’s twin sister

Also known as the other Miss Donny

The unnamed twin sister of Miss Donny, who helps run Greenleaf and joins in the school’s affection for Esther.

Esther’s bird

Esther’s pet bird, whom she takes with her in a cage when she leaves Miss Barbary’s house.

Miss Donny’s maid

An unnamed maid who helps Miss Donny bring Esther from the coach to Greenleaf.

Chancery barrister in the bag wig

Also known as gentleman in the bag wig

An unnamed court official or barrister who carries papers and summons Mr. Kenge to the Chancellor.

Greenleaf gardener

Also known as ugly lame old gardener

An elderly, lame gardener at Greenleaf who gives Esther a small bouquet and tells her she has been the light of his eyes.

greying parents of a former pupil

Also known as grey-haired gentleman and lady

An unnamed couple whose daughter Esther helped teach at Greenleaf; they call out their good wishes as she leaves.