Barnaby Rudge · Character

Gabriel Varden

A sturdy, good-humoured London locksmith whose honest trade and unshakeable decency make him the moral anchor of a city sliding toward riot.

major

Also known as Varden, Gabriel, honest Gabriel, Mr. Varden

First appearance: chapter 1

As a major figure in Barnaby Rudge, Gabriel Varden is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Encounter with the stranger on the road; threatened with death, then decides to stop at the Maypole for a light.

In the storyChapter 2Open this moment free

See Gabriel Varden in Chapter 2 Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Gabriel Varden keeps his shop, his apprentice Sim Tappertit, and his peace of mind with the same patient craftsmanship he brings to a lock. His chief domestic trial is his wife Martha, whose capricious temper and self-important servant Miggs keep the household in a state of comic weather. Because he is trusted by Catholics and Protestants alike, he becomes a rare point of contact between the novel's feuding households — and a man whose plain goodness the coming violence will test.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Gabriel Varden sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Gabriel Varden in chapter 1

Character Web

28 connections

A slice of how Gabriel Varden sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Social
Professional
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Main Riot Participants
Protagonist

+23 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak here is the collective dread and anticipation of an execution, as the city’s silence and th…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Sir John Chester
social · ambivalent
Gabriel is a respectable locksmith who interacts with Chester socially, but they are not… How this plays out →
Miss Miggs
professional · ambivalent
Joe Willet
friendship · positive
Sir John Chester
social · ambivalent
Gabriel is a respectable locksmith who interacts with Chester socially, but they are not… How this plays out →
Sir John Chester
social · ambivalent
Gabriel is a respectable locksmith who interacts with Chester socially, but they are not… How this plays out →
Miss Miggs
professional · ambivalent
Joe Willet
friendship · positive
Joe Willet
friendship · positive
Miss Miggs
professional · ambivalent

Sir John Chester
Gabriel is a respectable locksmith who interacts with Chester socially, but they are not close and Gabriel distrusts him.
Miss Miggs
Miggs is the Varden family's maid, and Gabriel is her employer, though she often complains and manipulates him.
Joe Willet
Gabriel is a kind and fatherly figure to Joe, offering him advice and support, and they share a warm bond.
Sir John Chester
Gabriel is a respectable locksmith who interacts with Chester socially, but they are not close and Gabriel distrusts him.
Sir John Chester
Gabriel is a respectable locksmith who interacts with Chester socially, but they are not close and Gabriel distrusts him.
Miss Miggs
Miggs is the Varden family's maid, and Gabriel is her employer, though she often complains and manipulates him.
Joe Willet
Gabriel is a kind and fatherly figure to Joe, offering him advice and support, and they share a warm bond.
Joe Willet
Gabriel is a kind and fatherly figure to Joe, offering him advice and support, and they share a warm bond.
Miss Miggs
Miggs is the Varden family's maid, and Gabriel is her employer, though she often complains and manipulates him.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Gabriel Varden in chapter 1

In the story

Gabriel Varden appears across 23 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter 2
Encounter with the stranger on the road; threatened with death, then decides to stop at the Maypole for a light.
Chapter 3
The locksmith, who finds the wounded man and later advises Joe Willet, while planning how to justify his visit to the Maypole to his wife.
Chapter 4: The Locksmith's Household
The locksmith, good-natured and jovial, recounts his adventure at the masquerade and expresses concern for Joe Willet.
Chapter 5
Visits the widow's house to check on the patient, shows concern for Barnaby, and attempts to chase the mysterious man.
Chapter 6
The locksmith, troubled by suspicions about Mrs. Rudge and the mysterious events.
Chapter 7
Returns home tired, tries to appease his wife, and later sleeps while Sim Tappertit sneaks out.
Chapter 9
The locksmith, whose workshop Simon has secretly made a key to.
Chapter 13
Welcomes Joe warmly, advises him to give the flowers to Mrs. Varden instead of Dolly, and tries to keep the peace during tea.
Chapter 19
Accompanies his wife and daughter to the Maypole, and eventually gives in to his wife's demands.
Chapter 26
Reveals his suspicion of Mrs. Rudge's involvement with a highwayman, and accompanies Haredale to her house.
Chapter 27
Asked by Mr. Haredale to remain for a private conversation after Mr. Chester leaves.
Chapter 41
The locksmith, who tries to keep peace at home, reflects on Joe Willet and inadvertently causes Dolly to cry.
Chapter 42
Perplexed and concerned, he accompanies Haredale to the abandoned house, noting his haggard appearance and the eerie atmosphere.
Chapter 51
Waits up anxiously, confronts Simon, destroys the protective paper, and resolves to face the rioters with defiance.
Chapter 63
Defies the mob from his window, threatens them, and is eventually seized and taken to Newgate.
Chapter 64
Forced to accompany the mob, but bravely refuses to pick the prison lock, declaring his duty.
Chapter 71
The locksmith, who along with his wife, participates in the rescue of the imprisoned women.
Chapter 72
Comforts Dolly, assuring her they are safe and will not be separated again.
Chapter 74
Testifies against Dennis, contributing to his commitment for trial.
Chapter 75
Visits Sir John to reveal the truth about Hugh's birth and the hangman's confession.
Chapter 76
Reflects on his failed petitions and his deep love for Barnaby, feeling helpless as the execution approaches.
Chapter 79
The locksmith who led the successful effort to secure Barnaby's pardon, bringing him home in triumph and celebrating with the crowd.
Chapter 80
The locksmith is in a cheerful mood, enjoying the company of his family and the happiness of Dolly and Joe.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Gabriel Varden unlock in the free preview.

See Gabriel Varden in chapter 1

See Gabriel Varden in Chapter 2