Chapters
Charles Dickens is known to be a master of the English language, and one of the most influential novelists of all time. This is one of his many masterpieces, and for this reason, it is on the syllabus for the English GCSE.
One of the masterful aspects of Dickens and his writing is the way that he brought us so many amazing characters, and how these characters interact. This is one of his longer novels, and spans a long time, with a lot of opportunity to explore the characters and their relationships.
Let's delve deeper into the summaries of each major character in "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
Philip "Pip" Pirrip
The central character and narrator, Pip, begins as an orphan raised by his sister and her husband, Joe Gargery. His life takes a tumultuous turn when he encounters an escaped convict in a graveyard. This event becomes a catalyst for Pip's journey of self-discovery and transformation. As he navigates the complexities of social aspirations, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of his choices, Pip's character becomes a lens through which Dickens explores themes of identity, ambition, and the impact of societal expectations.
Pip’s character is the main one we get to know in the story. The book can be referred to as a Bildungsroman, which is a “genre of novel that shows a young protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood”.
Joe Gargery
Joe is Pip's brother-in-law and a kind, humble blacksmith. Despite his humble background, Joe serves as Pip's moral compass throughout the narrative. His unwavering kindness and integrity stand in stark contrast to the societal complexities that Pip encounters in his pursuit of social advancement. Joe's character represents the moral grounding that Pip often grapples with as he navigates the challenges of his newfound social status. At times, Pip is even ashamed to be associated with Joe.
Estella Havisham
Pip’s love interest throughout most of the book. Raised by the vengeful Miss Havisham to break men's hearts, Estella is a captivating yet aloof figure who becomes the object of Pip's affections. Her beauty and emotional detachment shape Pip's perception of love and ambition. Estella's character becomes an exploration of manipulation and the complexities inherent in romantic relationships. She is initially painted as a shallow character but matures as the book goes on.
"Moths and all sorts of ugly creatures," replied Estella with a glance towards him, "hover about a lighted candle. Can the candle help it?
Her interactions with Pip provide a chance for Dickens to examine the nature of desire and the consequences of unattainable aspirations.
Miss Havisham
Miss Havisham is a character many people remember from the book, and from TV and film adaptations. She is an eccentric and embittered woman who was jilted at the altar a long time ago. Seeking revenge, she raises Estella to break men's hearts in a sadistic way. Her character becomes a symbol of the destructive nature of holding onto the past. Miss Havisham's influence on Pip is profound, shaping his views on love, relationships, and the lasting impact of personal vendettas. Her character is one of many that deal with a theme of romance in the story.
Miss Havisham is an iconic character from literature. She is utterly eccentric and has been portrayed by many actors throughout the history of film and television.
Abel Magwitch
Abel Magwitch is an escaped convict who becomes Pip's secret benefactor and eventually plays a big part in Pip’s outlook on life. Magwitch's character undergoes a remarkable transformation from a hardened criminal to a figure of redemption and sacrifice, and the relationship with Pip changes all the way through the book.
His presence challenges societal prejudices, emphasising themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the transformative power of human connection, as well as moral quandaries. Magwitch's relationship with Pip becomes a central narrative thread throughout Great Expectations, even amidst revelations about his past…
Jaggers
Jaggers is a successful and powerful lawyer who handles Pip's financial affairs. His mysterious demeanour and calculating nature add layers of intrigue to the story. Jaggers becomes a pivotal character in revealing the truth about Pip's benefactor, emphasising themes of right and wrong, plus the legal complexities within society. His character serves as a representation of the pragmatic and often morally ambiguous nature of the legal system in Victorian England, reflecting the society of the time to the readers even in the modern age.
Herbert Pocket
Pocket was famously known as the "Pale Young Gentleman," Herbert became Pip's friend in London. He is a loyal and genuine companion who offers a stark contrast to the superficial aspects of Pip's newfound life as a gentleman.
Herbert is a very ambitious man:
"Then the time comes […] when you see your opening. And you go in, and you swoop upon it and you make your capital, and then there you are! When you have once made your capital, you have nothing to do but employ it"
Herbert's character highlights themes of true friendship amidst the hollow and “great” expectations in society. His unwavering loyalty becomes a source of support for Pip as he grapples with the challenges and life’s many dilemmas inherent in his pursuit of social advancement.
Dolge Orlick
Joe's assistant, who is another morally complex character, but is generally bitter and unlikeable, responsible for the attack on Mrs. Joe, then Orlick tries to kill Pip as the story progresses.
Biddy
Biddy is a kind-hearted friend who befriends Pip, symbolising genuine goodness and simplicity. Her character provides a counterpoint to the societal complexities explored in the novel, representing patience, kindness, and sensibility.
Wemmick
Wemmick is Jaggers' clerk and Pip's friend, he seems to have dual personalities to some extent, giving a psychological aspect to this complex character. His characters vary at work and at home. His character introduces an element of humour to the narrative while exploring human nature. Wemmick's behaviour also seems like a deliberate way for Dickens to explore some of the challenges individuals face in navigating the moral and social complexities of Victorian England.
Clara Barley
Clara is a young woman romantically involved and engaged to be married to Herbert Pocket. Her character contributes a subplot of love and marriage to the novel, representing a more modest and genuine approach to relationships. Clara embodies sweetness, caring, and modesty, serving as a contrast to the complexities of Pip and Estella's sometimes fiery interactions. This is yet another romance dynamic within the book.
Conclusion
These are most of the main characters in the book, but the fact that this is a Bildungsroman-style book means there are many peripheral characters, all thought out expertly, as you would expect from Dickens.
An understanding of the characters is key for GCSE students. It is a way to understand the motivations Dickens had when creating his book and the messages he wished to portray. In essays and exam answers about these books, it is crucial to show that you have a strong understanding of the characters and have fully understood the texts.
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