20 Unforgettable Character Names from Charles Dickens' Literary Works

Readers of Charles Dickens' works will quickly observe a distinctive trait: his characters often bear unusually vivid and imaginative names. From Mr. Sloppy and Wopsle to Sweedlepipe, Bumble, and Scrooge, these names are unlikely to have been stumbled upon in everyday London life. Instead, they are the creations of Dickens' inventive mind, each name perfectly suited to the character's personality. For instance, Toodle evokes warmth and kindness, mirroring the character's nature, while Pumblechook's pompous tone reflects the character's self-importance.

Explore more of Dickens' uniquely crafted character names that you won't encounter in the works of any other author.

20: Harold Skimpole, "Bleak House"

Harold Skimpole portrays himself as a guileless individual, embodying childlike purity, charm, and sweetness. He is endlessly captivated by the splendor of nature and art, claiming to have minimal material desires, only wishing to maintain his uncomplicated, untroubled lifestyle. His innocence is so profound that societal norms and conventions seem entirely alien to him. For Skimpole, time holds little significance, and money is merely an abstract concept invented by others.

However, his carefree attitude toward life leads to unfortunate repercussions for those in his orbit. His disregard for time results in others being kept waiting, and his financial irresponsibility forces others to shoulder his monetary obligations.

As the narrative of "Bleak House" progresses, readers begin to see Skimpole not as a harmless victim of his own idealism but as a self-serving and cunning individual who exploits others to sustain his comfortable lifestyle, achieved not through hard work but through parasitic tactics.

19: Sloppy, "Our Mutual Friend"

Sloppy, also known as Mr. Sloppy, is one of Dickens' many orphaned characters. Taken in by Betty Higden, Sloppy assists her with various tasks, including caring for other children and reading aloud from the newspaper. Despite being perceived as having a learning disability, his reading skills impress Higden so much that she declares, "You mightn’t believe it, but Sloppy reads the newspaper beautifully. He does the Police in different voices."

When offered the chance to be adopted by the Boffin family, Sloppy declines out of loyalty to Higden. In turn, Higden is so committed to securing Sloppy’s future that she runs away, ensuring he has no choice but to join the Boffins. Sloppy later repays the Boffins by thwarting a blackmail scheme against them, even going so far as to dump the villain into a trash bin. Eventually, Sloppy becomes a carpenter and falls in love with a disabled young woman who creates doll clothes.

18: Mr. Wopsle, "Great Expectations"

Mr. Wopsle, a church clerk, is known for delivering mealtime grace and his own commentary with theatrical flair. He adores the sound of his own voice, though this love isn’t universally shared. Regardless of his opinions, his dramatic delivery ensures few take him seriously. His exaggerated mannerisms stem from his ambition to become an actor, leading him to adopt the stage name Waldengarver and move to London to chase his dream. Despite his confidence in his acting abilities, his small-town acquaintances, while praising him to his face, privately admit he lacks talent.

17: Polly Toodle, "Dombey and Son"

Polly Toodle, described by Dickens as a "plump, rosy-cheeked, wholesome, apple-faced young woman," is a cheerful and nurturing character. Hired by Mr. Dombey as a wet nurse after his wife’s death, she cares for his two children, Paul and Florence. While Mr. Dombey is thrilled to have a son to inherit his business, Dombey and Son, Toodle’s decision to take the children to her home in a poorer part of London leads to her dismissal, as it violates Mr. Dombey’s strict rules.

16: The Squeers, "Nicholas Nickleby"

The Squeers family, led by schoolmaster Wackford Squeers, runs Dotheboys Hall, a grim orphanage for unwanted boys. The children endure brutal treatment, including beatings, starvation, and neglect. To deceive outsiders, the Squeers keep their son, Wackford Junior, well-fed, creating the illusion of abundance. Meanwhile, they hoard gifts meant for the orphans for their own son. Nicholas Nickleby, an orphan at the school, eventually rebels, physically confronts Mr. Squeers, and escapes with a disabled boy.

15: Luke Honeythunder, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood"

Luke Honeythunder is a philanthropist and guardian to the orphaned siblings Neville and Helena Landless. He arranges for their education in Cloisterham, with Neville staying under the care of Honeythunder’s sister and her son, Septimus, a reverend who will serve as his tutor. Helena, meanwhile, is to reside at the Nun’s House.

True to his name, Honeythunder is loud and domineering. When Septimus reads Honeythunder’s letter requesting that they take in Neville, he turns to his mother for advice, remarking:

"Well, Ma," Septimus said, after a moment of thought, "we’ll have to give it a try. We certainly have the space for another resident, and I have the time and willingness to teach him. I must admit, I’m somewhat relieved he’s not Mr. Honeythunder himself. Though that might sound terribly biased—don’t you think?—since I’ve never met the man. Is he a large man, Ma?"

"I’d say he’s a large man, my dear," the old lady replied after a pause, "but his voice is even larger."

14: Tulkinghorn, "Bleak House"

Tulkinghorn, the ruthless lawyer for the Dedlock family, discovers a shocking secret: Lady Dedlock had a past affair with Captain Hawdon before her marriage to Sir Leicester Dedlock, resulting in an illegitimate daughter. Tulkinghorn plans to exploit this secret for financial gain by blackmailing Lady Dedlock. He recruits her maid, Hortense, who harbors resentment toward her employer, to spy on Lady Dedlock. However, when Tulkinghorn betrays Hortense, she murders him and attempts, unsuccessfully, to pin the crime on Lady Dedlock.

13: Bumble, "Oliver Twist"

Mr. Bumble, a parish beadle, oversees the town’s charitable institutions, including the baby farm where Oliver Twist is raised and the workhouse where Oliver is sent at age nine. Bumble takes pride in his cocked hat, a symbol of his authority, and relishes the power he wields. He abuses this power, mistreating and humiliating the children under his care without remorse.

Oliver and the other boys laboring in the workhouse are provided three meager meals daily. When Oliver bravely requests more food, Bumble eagerly reports the boy’s audacity to the board members, who are horrified by his boldness and threaten severe punishment.

12: Silas Wegg, "Our Mutual Friend"

Silas Wegg, a one-legged street vendor and self-proclaimed literary expert, is hired by the Boffin family to teach Mr. Boffin to read after they come into some money. Despite charging exorbitant fees for his services, Wegg’s knowledge is far less impressive than he claims. He even attempts to repurchase his amputated leg from a local taxidermist. His true character emerges when he discovers information that could jeopardize the Boffins’ newfound wealth, leading him to attempt blackmail for a share of their estate. His scheme is ultimately thwarted.

11: Dick Swiveller, "The Old Curiosity Shop"

Despite his somewhat ominous-sounding name, this character is far from a villain. In fact, he nearly falls victim to the schemes of his friend Fred, who believes his sister Nelly is set to inherit a fortune. Fred attempts to convince Swiveller to marry Nelly, hoping to gain access to her wealth. However, Swiveller finds the 14-year-old Nelly too young to marry. When Fred suggests waiting a few years, Swiveller instead falls for a servant girl. Ultimately, Swiveller’s fortunes turn for the better when he inherits money, helps the servant girl with her education, and later marries her.

10: Paul Sweedlepipe, "The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit"

Paul (Poll) Sweedlepipe is an unconventional barber and landlord, best known for his peculiar obsession with birds and rabbits. His home is described vividly in the book:

"Except for the staircase and his lodger’s private quarters, Poll Sweedlepipe’s house resembled a massive bird’s nest. Gamecocks occupied the kitchen; pheasants adorned the garret with their golden feathers; bantams nested in the cellar; owls claimed the bedroom; and a variety of smaller birds chirped and twittered in the shop. The staircase, meanwhile, was reserved for rabbits. Housed in makeshift hutches crafted from old crates, boxes, drawers, and tea chests, they multiplied rapidly, adding their unique scent to the eclectic aroma that greeted anyone entering Sweedlepipe’s cozy shaving shop."

9: Caroline "Caddy" Jellyby, "Bleak House"

Mrs. Jellyby dedicates her time to numerous charities, but her eldest daughter, Caroline, known as "Caddy," is neglected. Caddy serves as her mother’s secretary, spending her days transcribing dictation, including materials related to her mother’s mission to educate African natives. Despite this, Caddy receives no education herself, lamenting, "I’m just pen and ink to ma." The book describes her vividly:

"What struck us most was a weary, unhealthy-looking girl at the writing table, though not unattractive, who sat gnawing her pen’s feather and staring at us. She seemed drenched in ink. From her messy hair to her pretty feet, clad in worn, broken satin slippers, it appeared as though not a single item of her clothing was in its proper place or condition."

8: Smike, "Nicholas Nickleby"

Smike is one of the unfortunate residents of Dotheboys Hall, an orphanage for unwanted boys. While all the boys endure beatings, neglect, and starvation, Smike, who is physically disabled, suffers even greater abuse than the others.

When Nicholas, another orphanage inmate, confronts Mr. Squeers and escapes, he rescues Smike and brings him to London. Squeers eventually finds Smike and takes him back, but Smike escapes once more. Tragically, Smike succumbs to the abuse he endured as a child under the Squeers’ care. After his death, Nicholas discovers that Smike was actually his cousin.

7: Uriah Heep, "David Copperfield"

Uriah Heep ranks among the most despicable characters in literature. As the scheming law clerk to Mr. Wickfield, he takes advantage of Wickfield’s drinking problem, which arose after his wife’s death. Heep, who pretends to be humble and meek, secretly fuels Wickfield’s addiction while manipulating his finances, forging documents, and embezzling money. Heep eventually gains control of the business and sets his sights on marrying Wickfield’s daughter, Agnes.

Heep is eventually exposed and imprisoned, where he continues to feign humility and meekness to his advantage.

6: Mr. Sowerberry, "Oliver Twist"

Mr. Sowerberry, an undertaker, takes Oliver under his care after Oliver’s infamous request for more food at Bumble’s workhouse. As Sowerberry’s apprentice, Oliver faces mistreatment from Mrs. Sowerberry, who serves him the dog’s leftovers on his first night. Another apprentice, Noah, bullies Oliver relentlessly. When Noah insults Oliver’s mother, Oliver retaliates, prompting Noah to report him to Bumble. Under pressure from his wife, Mr. Sowerberry beats Oliver, leading the boy to flee to London.

5: Pumblechook, "Great Expectations"

Pumblechook, a seed merchant, serves as the antagonist in "Great Expectations," relentlessly tormenting Pip from childhood. His sole preoccupation appears to be status and wealth, which he values above all else.

At one stage, Pumblechook suggests Pip to Miss Havisham, a reclusive spinster seeking a companion for her ward. When Pip unexpectedly gains wealth, Pumblechook’s attitude shifts dramatically. He assumes Miss Havisham is the source of Pip’s fortune and proudly takes credit for introducing them. Although Miss Havisham is not the benefactor, Pumblechook continues to boast about his supposed role in Pip’s success.

4: John Podsnap, "Our Mutual Friend"

Mr. Podsnap is widely regarded as the embodiment of middle-class arrogance. In "Our Mutual Friend," he is described as follows:

"Mr. Podsnap was prosperous and held himself in the highest regard. Starting with a substantial inheritance, he married into another fortune and thrived in the Marine Insurance business, achieving complete contentment. He could never understand why everyone else wasn’t equally satisfied and believed he set a shining example by being thoroughly pleased with most things, especially himself."

His character inspired the term podsnappery, defined by Merriam-Webster as "an attitude marked by smugness and a refusal to acknowledge unpleasant realities." Podsnap dismisses anything that contradicts his self-satisfied worldview with a dismissive wave of his hand, as if brushing it aside.

3: Lucretia Tox, "Dombey and Son"

Lucretia Tox is portrayed as tall, slender, and melancholic. She is a close friend of Mrs. Louisa Chick, whose brother, Paul, becomes a widower after his wife’s death. Lucretia, harboring feelings for Paul, hopes to marry him. However, Paul chooses another woman, and when Mrs. Chick delivers this news, Lucretia faints from the shock. Instead of offering comfort, Mrs. Chick accuses Lucretia of deceit and scolds her for loving her brother. Despite her heartbreak, Lucretia remains steadfastly loyal to Paul through his subsequent struggles.

2: Sophia (Sophy) Wackles, "The Old Curiosity Shop"

Sophy Wackles, a 20-year-old, lives with her widowed mother and two sisters, running a girls’ school. Dick Swiveller falls in love with Sophy, but his friend Fred schemes to have Dick marry Fred’s sister instead, hoping to profit from her expected inheritance.

In an effort to end his relationship with Sophy and pursue a potential union with Fred's sister, Dick orchestrates a staged disagreement with Sophy during a social gathering. At the event, Sophy attempts to provoke Dick's jealousy by flaunting her association with Mr. Cheggs, a market gardener. Ultimately, Sophy ends up marrying Cheggs.

1: Ebenezer Scrooge, "A Christmas Carol"

Scrooge, the infamous miser, dismisses sentimentality with his trademark "humbug," particularly when it comes to the joys of Christmas. He shows no regard for familial affection and mistreats his staff. His perspective shifts dramatically after he is visited by four supernatural entities, each imparting crucial life lessons.

Jacob Marley, Scrooge's former business partner, returns from the afterlife to caution Ebenezer about the grim fate that awaits him if he doesn't alter his miserly ways. The Ghost of Christmas Past revisits Scrooge's happier early Christmases and the events that turned him against the holiday. The Ghost of Christmas Present escorts Scrooge through various festive scenes, including his nephew's family celebration, which Scrooge had previously snubbed, and the humble home of his employee, Bob Cratchit, where Scrooge realizes the dire consequences of his stinginess on Cratchit's ailing son. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come reveals a bleak, solitary future for Scrooge unless he changes. These spectral visits profoundly transform Scrooge, leading him to embrace generosity and spread joy during that Christmas and all subsequent ones.