Barnaby Rudge · Character

Joe Willet

The Maypole keeper's restless son, chafing under his father's dull rule, who leaves home to make himself worthy of Dolly Varden.

major

Also known as Joe, Joseph Willet, young Joe, dear Joe

First appearance: Chapter 1

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

John's son, a broad-shouldered young man treated as a boy by his father, who serves the guests.

In the storyChapter 1Open this moment free

See Joe Willet in Chapter 1 Book page

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Joe Willet is the only son of old John Willet of the Maypole, a young man of spirit trapped in an inn where nothing ever changes and his father treats him like a boy. He loves Dolly Varden, the locksmith's pretty daughter, and knows that as long as he stays at the Maypole he will never be anything in her eyes. His decision to leave and seek his fortune is one of the novel's first acts of real courage, and it sets him on a path that will bring him back to London changed.

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

See Joe Willet in Chapter 1

Character Web

25 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Rivalry
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Main Riot Participants
Protagonist

+20 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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Dolly Varden
romantic · positive
Joe is deeply in love with Dolly, who initially flirts and teases but eventually returns… How this plays out →
Sir John Chester
rivalry · negative
Gabriel Varden
friendship · positive
Sir John Chester
rivalry · negative
Dolly Varden
romantic · positive
Joe is deeply in love with Dolly, who initially flirts and teases but eventually returns… How this plays out →
Gabriel Varden
friendship · positive
Gabriel Varden
friendship · positive
Dolly Varden
romantic · positive
Joe is deeply in love with Dolly, who initially flirts and teases but eventually returns… How this plays out →
Sir John Chester
rivalry · negative

Dolly Varden
Joe is deeply in love with Dolly, who initially flirts and teases but eventually returns his affection.
Sir John Chester
Joe resents Chester's condescending attitude and his interference in Joe's relationship with Dolly, leading to mutual hostility.
Gabriel Varden
Gabriel is a kind and fatherly figure to Joe, offering him advice and support, and they share a warm bond.
Sir John Chester
Joe resents Chester's condescending attitude and his interference in Joe's relationship with Dolly, leading to mutual hostility.
Dolly Varden
Joe is deeply in love with Dolly, who initially flirts and teases but eventually returns his affection.
Gabriel Varden
Gabriel is a kind and fatherly figure to Joe, offering him advice and support, and they share a warm bond.
Gabriel Varden
Gabriel is a kind and fatherly figure to Joe, offering him advice and support, and they share a warm bond.
Dolly Varden
Joe is deeply in love with Dolly, who initially flirts and teases but eventually returns his affection.
Sir John Chester
Joe resents Chester's condescending attitude and his interference in Joe's relationship with Dolly, leading to mutual hostility.

Relationship notes

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

See Joe Willet in Chapter 1

In the story

Joe Willet appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter 1
John's son, a broad-shouldered young man treated as a boy by his father, who serves the guests.
Chapter 2
Exchanges sharp words with the stranger, showing his mettle and concern for the horse.
Chapter 3
Rebellious against his father's control, expresses his desire for independence and asks Varden to keep his humiliation private.
Chapter 4: The Locksmith's Household
Mentioned as having quarreled with his father and possibly planning to leave home, causing concern.
Chapter 13
Visits the Varden household, hoping to see Dolly, but is disappointed when she is out. He presents flowers to Mrs. Varden, who dismisses them, and he leaves feeling dejected.
Chapter 14
Rides with Edward, despondent over Dolly, and later returns to the Maypole with heavy heart.
Chapter 19
Overjoyed to see Dolly, helps her alight from the chaise, and shares a moment of happiness with her.
Chapter 21
Rescues Dolly, offers to search for her lost items, and shows protective concern.
Chapter 22
Escorts Dolly home, expresses his love, and is reluctantly sent back by Mrs. Varden.
Chapter 24
Mentioned as a villain by Tappertit, accused of plotting against Mr. Chester.
Chapter 28
Mentioned as having quarreled with his father over delivering Edward's letter.
Chapter 30
Endures his father's tyranny and finally rebels, attacking Tom Cobb and vowing to leave.
Chapter 31
Leaves home to enlist in the army, feeling disheartened by his father and his love for Dolly.
Chapter 41
Mentioned fondly by Gabriel, who regrets the way old John treated him.
Chapter 71
Participates in the rescue of Dolly and Emma, and is the one who escorts Dolly out, causing Simon Tappertit pain.
Chapter 72
Returns from war maimed but noble, declaring his love for Dolly while accepting his fate.
Chapter 78
Returns from the war with one arm, tells his father of his plan to go to the West Indies with Edward Chester, and is reunited with Dolly.
Chapter 80
He is present with Dolly, and the couple's relationship is celebrated by the family.
Chapter the Last
Inherits his father's wealth, becomes independent and a man of consequence.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Joe Willet in Chapter 1