Characters
William Dorrit
William Dorrit is a reserved and introspective man who, after enduring prolonged imprisonment for debt, becomes recognized as the "Father of the Marshalsea." Although he never grasps the intricate business matters that led to his financial ruin, he resignedly accepts his circumstances and the "testimonials"—small financial gifts from prison visitors—with calm resignation. His family joined him in the prison, where his youngest child, Amy, was born, and his wife subsequently passed away. The Dorrits' lives are overshadowed by a significant yet unclear injustice. Upon discovering his rightful claim to an unclaimed fortune, Mr. Dorrit exits the prison and embarks on an extravagant lifestyle on the periphery of high society. However, his mental faculties, weakened by a quarter of a century in confinement, gradually decline, and he ultimately dies in a Roman palace, believing he is still in the Marshalsea.
Amy Dorrit
Known affectionately as Little Dorrit, Amy is the youngest member of the Dorrit family, born within the walls of the Marshalsea Prison. Following her mother's death, Amy becomes the supportive pillar of her family, tending to her gentle father, her sister Fanny, and her brother Tip. As a seamstress, she works for Mrs. Clennam, who has suppressed a will codicil that entitled Little Dorrit to a two-thousand-guinea inheritance. Uncomfortable amidst the opulence that follows their liberation from the Marshalsea, Amy returns to care for Arthur Clennam during his imprisonment there. Eventually, justice prevails for her and Arthur, and they are wed.
Fanny Dorrit
Fanny Dorrit is the elder daughter of Mr. Dorrit, who establishes herself in society as a ballet dancer. She is able to secure her place in the social sphere and eventually marries Edmund Sparkler.
Edward Dorrit
Edward Dorrit, often called Tip, is characterized by his reckless and extravagant nature. Before the family's financial restoration, Little Dorrit diligently obtains various jobs for him, but he fails to maintain any of them for long.
Frederick Dorrit
Frederick Dorrit, Mr. Dorrit's brother, also experienced bankruptcy. After losing his wealth, he neglected personal care and supported himself by playing the clarinet in a theater orchestra. He cared for Arthur Clennam’s biological mother and remains unpretentious and kind-hearted.
Mrs. Clennam
A formidable and unyielding woman, Mrs. Clennam manages the English branch of her husband's business from her sickbed. She conceals from Arthur Clennam the truth of his parentage; he is the son of a woman his father loved but never wed. Mrs. Clennam also withholds Little Dorrit's rightful inheritance. When M. Blandois threatens her with exposure to blackmail her, she confesses her wrongdoings to Little Dorrit and is forgiven.
Arthur Clennam
The son of the woman his father abandoned to marry Mrs. Clennam, Arthur Clennam spent twenty years in China with his father until the latter's death. He returns to England with his father’s last bequest—an old watch engraved with the letters DNF (Do Not Forget). Upon his return, he is drawn to Little Dorrit, who is a blend of servant and friend in the Clennam household. Arthur disenchants Mrs. Clennam by leaving the family business to partner with Daniel Doyce, an engineer and inventor. Ruined by the collapse of Mr. Merdle’s financial empire, Arthur is imprisoned in the Marshalsea, where Little Dorrit nurses him back to health, and they marry upon his release.
M. Blandois
M. Blandois, also known as Rigaud, is a "cruel gentleman with slender white hands." Escaping death row for his wife's murder in Marseilles, he arrives in England to blackmail Mrs. Clennam with knowledge of her deceptions. He meets his end when the rickety Clennam house collapses, burying him within its ruins.
Daniel Doyce
(This entire section contains 1642 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
Daniel Doyce
Daniel Doyce, an engineer, becomes Arthur Clennam’s business partner. His successful overseas venture enables him to secure Arthur's release from the Marshalsea and ensures the prosperity of the Doyce and Clennam firm.
Mrs. Flora Finching
Mrs. Flora Finching, Arthur Clennam’s initial love, is now a widow. Despite her current status, she remains naive, sentimental, and overly effusive in her speech, living with her father, Christopher Casby.
Christopher Casby
Christopher Casby, Flora Finching’s father, is the miserly landlord of Bleeding Heart Yard. He maintains a facade of benevolence and philanthropy, although his agent enforces hardship on his tenants. To the unsuspecting public, he is considered "The Last of the Patriarchs."
Mr. Pancks
Mr. Pancks works as Mr. Casby’s agent and rent collector. Eventually, he revolts against his miserly employer and publicly disgraces him. His advice prompts Arthur Clennam to invest in Mr. Merdle’s financial schemes, inadvertently leading to Arthur's financial downfall.
Mr. Merdle
Mr. Merdle, notorious as a financial genius, causes widespread ruin among investors with his bankruptcy. Overwhelmed, he takes his own life by inflicting a fatal injury with a penknife.
Mrs. Merdle
Mrs. Merdle, the wife of Mr. Merdle and mother to Edmund Sparkler from her first marriage to a North America-stationed army officer, remains a background figure in her son’s life.
Edmund Sparkler
Edmund Sparkler, Mrs. Merdle’s son from her first marriage, is said to have had his intellect frozen during his birth amid a severe Canadian frost. He deems Fanny Dorrit a "doosed fine gal," leading to their marriage.
Mr. Meagles
Mr. Meagles, a kind-hearted and sentimental retired banker, mistakenly believes himself to be pragmatic. He embodies benevolence in both his personal and familial interactions.
Mrs. Meagles
Mrs. Meagles, the amiable and cheerful spouse of Mr. Meagles, is an ideal partner in their marriage, contributing to the warmth of their family atmosphere.
Minnie Meagles
Minnie Meagles, affectionately known as Pet, is the fair and mild-natured daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Meagles. She marries Henry Gowan, aligning her life with another of tranquil demeanor.
Henry Gowan
Henry Gowan, a young artist connected to the Barnacle family, marries Minnie Meagles. His marriage introduces him to a life intertwined with artistic ambitions and familial ties.
Mrs. Gowan
Mrs. Gowan, Henry's proud mother, maintains a distant air, reflective of her esteemed family lineage.
Mrs. General
Mrs. General, a wealthy widow, assumes the role of social mentor to the Dorrit family following their rise to wealth. Mr. Dorrit proposes marriage to her shortly before his demise.
Jeremiah Flintwinch
Jeremiah Flintwinch, once Mrs. Clennam’s servant, becomes her unscrupulous partner in her fraudulent activities. His alliance with Mrs. Clennam is marked by deceit and manipulation.
Affery Flintwinch
Affery Flintwinch, Mrs. Clennam’s maid, is coerced into marriage with Jeremiah Flintwinch against her will. Despite her gentle nature and submission to Mrs. Clennam, she suffers mistreatment by her husband.
Ephraim Flintwinch
Ephraim Flintwinch, Jeremiah’s brother, collaborates with him in his devious endeavors.
Harriet Beadle (Tattycoram)
Harriet Beadle, known as Tattycoram, is a spirited foundling adopted by Mr. Meagles. Her fiery temperament leads her to flee her benefactors and seek refuge with Miss Wade. Eventually, she retrieves documents used by M. Blandois against Mrs. Clennam and returns to the Meagles household.
Miss Wade
Miss Wade, a peculiar and troubled woman, persuades Tattycoram to leave Mr. and Mrs. Meagles. She comes into possession of documents utilized by M. Blandois in his attempt to extort Mrs. Clennam.
Lord Decimus Tite Barnacle
Lord Decimus Tite Barnacle, a self-important official, holds a high position within the government's Circumlocution Office.
Tite Barnacle
Tite Barnacle, a Circumlocution Office official, plays a role in the intricacies surrounding Mr. Dorrit’s bankruptcy. During Arthur Clennam’s efforts to free Mr. Dorrit from the Marshalsea, Tite Barnacle is among those he consults.
Clarence Barnacle
Clarence Barnacle, known as Barnacle Junior, is Tite Barnacle’s son, occupying a trivial clerk position at the Circumlocution Office.
Ferdinand Barnacle
Ferdinand Barnacle serves as Lord Barnacle’s private secretary. He is characterized by his light-hearted and lively demeanor.
John Baptist Cavalletto
John Baptist Cavalletto, an Italian smuggler, initially imprisoned with M. Blandois in Marseilles, later enters Arthur Clennam’s service. He plays a crucial role in the pursuit and capture of Blandois.
John Chivery
John Chivery holds the position of turnkey at the Marshalsea Prison, overseeing daily operations.
John Chivery, Jr.
John Chivery, Jr., son of the Marshalsea turnkey, harbors affection for Little Dorrit, demonstrating loyalty and admiration.
Bob
Bob, another turnkey at the Marshalsea, is also Little Dorrit’s godfather, maintaining a familial connection with her.
Mr. Cripples
Mr. Cripples, a schoolmaster, offers educational opportunities to the children of Marshalsea Prison inmates, fostering learning within the constraints of the prison environment.
Dr. Haggage
Dr. Haggage, a debtor with a penchant for brandy, attends the birth of Little Dorrit, adding to the cast of characters within the Marshalsea.
Mrs. Bangham
Mrs. Bangham serves as a chairwoman and nurse, facilitating communication and services between the outside world and inmates of the Marshalsea Prison.
Mr. Plornish
Mr. Plornish, a plasterer, resides as a tenant in Bleeding Heart Yard under Mr. Casby. His life is intertwined with the Dorrit family's narrative.
Mrs. Plornish
Mrs. Plornish, Mr. Plornish’s wife, is a close friend to Little Dorrit, providing support and companionship.
John Nandy
John Nandy, the father of Mrs. Plornish, is affectionately regarded by his daughter as a "sweet singer," contributing a musical aspect to their lives.
Maggy
Maggy, the granddaughter of Mrs. Bangham, becomes a friend to Little Dorrit. Despite being "never older than ten," blind in one eye, and partially bald due to fever, she assists in caring for the Plornish children.
Mrs. Tickit
Mrs. Tickit is the housekeeper for the Meagles family, ensuring the smooth operation of their household.
Lord Lancaster Stiltstalking
Lord Lancaster Stiltstalking is a stern, retired politician who remains active in diplomatic roles abroad, supported by the Circumlocution Office.
Mr. Rugg
Mr. Rugg, an accountant and debt collector, also acts as Mr. Pancks’s landlord, intersecting with various characters through financial dealings.
Anastasia Rugg
Anastasia Rugg, Mr. Rugg's daughter, possesses a small estate obtained through a breach-of-promise lawsuit, showcasing her pragmatic approach to life.
