Barnaby Rudge · Character

Grip

Barnaby's croaking raven, a scrappy, half-comic companion whose strange utterances shadow the boy's fate.

supporting

Also known as dear old Grip, old Grip

First appearance: chapter 1

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

The raven, displaying remarkable intelligence and a mischievous personality.

In the storyChapter 6Open this moment free

See Grip in Chapter 6 Book page

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Grip perches on Barnaby's shoulder through the tumult of the riots and the quieter dread of the prison yard, croaking encouragement or remonstrance as the moment demands. He is a creature of odd, almost human sympathy, and his feeble croak beside the condemned is one of the novel's most affecting small gestures. More than a pet, he is the visible thread tying Barnaby's innocence to the violence closing around him.

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

See Grip in chapter 1

Character Web

13 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Main Riot Participants
Historical and Secondary Figures

+8 more in the full Character Web

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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…

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Relationships

Barnaby Rudge
friendship · positive
Grip is Barnaby's pet raven and constant companion, a source of comfort and a symbol of… How this plays out →
Barnaby Rudge
friendship · positive
Grip is Barnaby's pet raven and constant companion, a source of comfort and a symbol of… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Grip in chapter 1

In the story

Grip appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter 6
The raven, displaying remarkable intelligence and a mischievous personality.
Chapter 10
Barnaby's raven, who speaks in cryptic phrases and adds to the eccentric atmosphere.
Chapter 17
Barnaby's raven, who accompanies him on his adventures and shows a keen awareness of the stranger's presence, watching him intently.
Chapter 25
The raven accompanies Barnaby and his mother, showing sly attentiveness during the interview and reflective behavior in the churchyard.
Chapter 42
The raven's ghostly perch on the high-backed chair is among the haunting memories in the deserted home.
Chapter 45
Barnaby's constant companion on his rambles, carried in a basket.
Chapter 46
Mentioned as Barnaby's companion, who loves the noise and rattle of crowds.
Chapter 47
The raven, whose antics and speech both entertain and cause trouble, drawing attention and money.
Chapter 57
Barnaby's raven companion, repeating 'No Popery!' and other phrases, and busily hiding things in the straw.
Chapter 58
Barnaby's pet raven, mentioned as being held by the soldiers and the subject of Barnaby's plea.
Chapter 60
Not mentioned in this chapter.
Chapter 62
Not directly present, but the prisoner's thoughts of freedom and nature contrast with his imprisonment, and the raven's earlier presence is implied in the narrative.
Chapter 68
Carried by Barnaby from the jail and left with his father.
Chapter 77
Mentioned as Barnaby's parting with him shocks the minister, highlighting Barnaby's innocence.
Chapter the Last
Recovers his looks and speech after a year of silence, eventually crying 'I'm a devil' again.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Grip in chapter 1

See Grip in Chapter 6