# Barnaby Rudge — Barnaby Rudge character guide > Barnaby Rudge in Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Barnaby, poor Barnaby, sharp Barnaby, Rudge, bold Barnaby, Dear Barnaby **First appearance:** 0002-chapter-1 ## Snapshot A gentle, simple-minded young man who carries the largest flag in the Gordon Riots and longs only for his mother to see him glorious. ## Who they are Barnaby moves through the riotous London crowds as the one lighthearted, undesigning creature in the whole assembly, clutching his blue flag and beaming at anyone who calls him bold. His devotion to his mother is total and touching, and he cannot fathom why the rough men around him sneer at such tenderness. That innocence makes him both the mob's most willing instrument and its most pitiable figure, and it is his fate, above all others, that the novel's gathering violence seems to threaten. ## Relationships ### [Hugh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/hugh) _friendship_ Barnaby and Hugh share a simple, almost childlike bond, with Hugh acting as a protector and Barnaby trusting him blindly. ### [The Blind Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/the_blind_man) _psychological_ The Blind Man (Stagg) manipulates Barnaby and his mother, using Barnaby's innocence to further his own sinister purposes. ### [Grip](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/grip) _friendship_ Grip is Barnaby's pet raven and constant companion, a source of comfort and a symbol of Barnaby's unique mind. ### [Sir John Chester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/sir_john_chester) _psychological_ Chester uses Barnaby's innocence and simplicity to manipulate him into aiding the riot, showing no regard for his well-being. ### [Hugh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/hugh) _friendship_ Barnaby and Hugh share a simple, almost childlike bond, with Hugh acting as a protector and Barnaby trusting him blindly. ### [Grip](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/grip) _friendship_ Grip is Barnaby's pet raven and constant companion, a source of comfort and a symbol of Barnaby's unique mind. ### [The Blind Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/the_blind_man) _psychological_ The Blind Man (Stagg) manipulates Barnaby and his mother, using Barnaby's innocence to further his own sinister purposes. ### [Hugh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/hugh) _friendship_ Barnaby and Hugh share a simple, almost childlike bond, with Hugh acting as a protector and Barnaby trusting him blindly. ### [Sir John Chester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/sir_john_chester) _psychological_ Chester uses Barnaby's innocence and simplicity to manipulate him into aiding the riot, showing no regard for his well-being. ### [The Blind Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/the_blind_man) _psychological_ The Blind Man (Stagg) manipulates Barnaby and his mother, using Barnaby's innocence to further his own sinister purposes. ### [Sir John Chester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/sir_john_chester) _psychological_ Chester uses Barnaby's innocence and simplicity to manipulate him into aiding the riot, showing no regard for his well-being. ## In the story ### [Barnaby Rudge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/barnaby-rudge) The titular character, introduced as the central figure of the tale. ### [Chapter 3](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-3) Shows his gentle nature and terror at the sight of blood, yet helps Varden with the wounded stranger. ### [Chapter 5](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-5) Mentioned as having delivered a letter and being asleep after a tiring day; his mother worries about his restlessness. ### [Chapter 6](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-6) Delighted by Grip's antics, showing his simple nature and bond with the raven. ### [Chapter 10](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-10) Shows his vivid imagination and simple-mindedness, delivering messages with childlike enthusiasm. ### [Chapter 11](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-11) Present in the chimney-corner, feigning sleep; delivered Chester's letter to Haredale. ### [Chapter 12](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-12) Mentioned as the messenger who unwittingly aided the lovers, with Mr. Chester having learned of the affair from Barnaby's mother. ### [Chapter 17](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-17) Returns home from a day of adventure with Hugh and Grip, full of excitement and tales of their exploits. His mother's fear unsettles him, and he shows signs of his recurring visions. ### [Chapter 24](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-24) Mentioned as part of the alleged plot, though not present in the chapter. ### [Chapter 25](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-25) Travels with his mother to Chigwell, displaying his capricious and joyful nature, and later waits in the churchyard with Grip. ### [Chapter 26](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-26) Gone from the house with his mother, leaving no word. ### [Chapter 42](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-42) Though absent, his memory pervades the abandoned house, with his old corner and chair evoking vivid phantoms. ### [Chapter 45](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-45) Living in hiding with his mother, still childlike and wandering with dogs and Grip. ### [Chapter 46](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-46) Eagerly listens to the blind man's promises of riches, showing his innocence and desire to help his mother. ### [Chapter 47](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-47) Shows his simple, cheerful nature and his growing fascination with the blind man's talk of gold and crowds. ### [Chapter 48](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-48) Eagerly joins the crowd and accepts a blue cockade, ignoring his mother's pleas; recruited by Lord George Gordon. ### [Chapter 49](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-49) Firmly believes in the justice of his cause and follows Hugh's lead. His innocence is exploited as he is manipulated into risking his life. ### [Chapter 50](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-50) Praised by Dennis for his prowess; manipulated by Gashford into continuing the riots; leads the mob with Hugh and Dennis. ### [Chapter 52](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-52) Stands sentry at the stable door, proud and happy, unaware of the plot against his former friends. ### [Chapter 53](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-53) Stands guard at the stable door, proudly fulfilling his duty, and joyfully welcomes Hugh back. ### [Chapter 57](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-57) Standing guard alone, dreaming of his mother's pride, and fiercely resisting the soldiers until captured. ### [Chapter 58](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-58) Imprisoned in a dark cell, he pleads for his raven Grip and shows defiance toward the soldiers. ### [Chapter 60](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-60) Though not present, his capture and imprisonment at Newgate is the central news that spurs the rioters to plan a jailbreak. ### [Chapter 62](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-62) Mentioned as having been lured away from his mother by a companion and now among the rioters, becoming a pawn in the blind man's scheme. ### [Chapter 65](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-65) Released from prison by the rioters and swept into the crowd with his father. ### [Chapter 68](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-68) Frees himself and his father from irons, cares for his father, seeks the blind man, rescues Hugh from the riot. ### [Chapter 73](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-73) In prison, he shows a strange pleasure in his own supposed sagacity, believes he is marked for death, and is heartbroken when his mother reveals his father's guilt. ### [Chapter 75](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-75) Condemned to die, his trial was swayed by a country justice's testimony. ### [Chapter 76](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-76) Faces his final night with naive courage, trying to comfort his mother and showing a strange pride in his impending fate. ### [Chapter 77](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-77) Approaches death with a strange happiness and childlike pride, unafraid and smiling. ### [Chapter 79](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-79) Rescued from execution at the last moment, he is passive and overwhelmed, clinging to Gabriel Varden and later falling into a deep sleep beside his mother. ### [Chapter the Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-the-last) Recovers from his ordeal, becomes a happy and contented farmer, but never returns to London. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/barnaby_rudge - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters