# John Willet — Barnaby Rudge character guide > John Willet in Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** John, old John, old John Willet **First appearance:** 0002-chapter-1 ## Snapshot The ponderous, obstinate landlord of the Maypole Inn, slow to move and slower to believe anything could disturb his settled world. ## Who they are John Willet presides over the Maypole as if it were an unshakeable institution, dispensing ale and opinions with the gravity of a man who has never been contradicted. His comfortable certainties and his baffled affection for his son Joe make him easy prey for sharper men and harder times. When the riots reach his door, his paralysis becomes a quiet measure of how badly the old order has failed to protect itself. ## Relationships ### [Sir John Chester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/sir_john_chester) _social_ John, the innkeeper, is a loyal and simple man who respects Chester as a gentleman, but their interactions are mostly superficial. ### [Hugh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/hugh) _professional_ Hugh works as a stable boy at the Maypole Inn under John Willet, who treats him with disdain and suspicion. ### [Sir John Chester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/sir_john_chester) _social_ John, the innkeeper, is a loyal and simple man who respects Chester as a gentleman, but their interactions are mostly superficial. ### [Hugh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/hugh) _professional_ Hugh works as a stable boy at the Maypole Inn under John Willet, who treats him with disdain and suspicion. ### [Hugh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/hugh) _professional_ Hugh works as a stable boy at the Maypole Inn under John Willet, who treats him with disdain and suspicion. ### [Sir John Chester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/sir_john_chester) _social_ John, the innkeeper, is a loyal and simple man who respects Chester as a gentleman, but their interactions are mostly superficial. ## In the story ### [Chapter 1](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-1) The obstinate landlord of the Maypole Inn, who prophesies the weather and stares intently at the stranger. ### [Chapter 2](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-2) Takes the reckoning from the stranger, slow in giving change and testing coins. ### [Chapter 3](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-3) The Maypole's owner, bewildered by his son's outburst and unable to respond effectively. ### [Chapter 10](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-10) The slow-witted landlord, troubled by the unexpected visit and the brewing conflict. ### [Chapter 11](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-11) Host of the Maypole, shares news of Chester's arrival and philosophizes about Hugh's nature. ### [Chapter 13](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-13) Mentioned as the father of Joe, who sends him on the quarter-day journey and is the subject of Mrs. Varden's complaints. ### [Chapter 14](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-14) Informs Edward that his father, Sir John Chester, has been at the Maypole. ### [Chapter 21](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-21) Disapproves of Joe's adventurous spirit and dozes during Mrs. Varden's lecture. ### [Chapter 25](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-25) Seen fast asleep in his bar at the Maypole when the coach stops. ### [Chapter 29](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-29) The host of the Maypole, who complains about his son Joe and shows off Hugh's abilities, while being oblivious to the deeper schemes around him. ### [Chapter 30](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-30) Exercises despotic control over Joe, humiliating him in front of Mr. Chester and asserting his authority. ### [Chapter 31](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-31) Mentioned as Joe's father, whose treatment drives Joe away. ### [Chapter 33](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-33) Sits in his accustomed place, silent and watchful, and later becomes agitated by Solomon Daisy's story. ### [Chapter 34](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-34) Old John, eager to gain favor with Mr. Haredale, ventures out at night to share Solomon Daisy's story, showing his self-importance and cautious nature. ### [Chapter 35](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-35) Encountering the horsemen, he initially fears they are highwaymen but is relieved when they prove to be gentlemen. He proudly recommends the Maypole Inn and bustles about to accommodate his noble guests. ### [Chapter 37](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-37) Hosts Lord George at the Maypole, receiving his stately bow upon departure. ### [Chapter 54](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-54) Stubbornly denies the riots, then is overwhelmed as the mob destroys his inn. ### [Chapter 55](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-55) Left alone in his dismantled bar, he sits in a stupor, unresponsive to the stranger's questions. ### [Chapter 56](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-56) Found bound and dazed in the wrecked Maypole bar, barely recognizing his old friends. ### [Chapter 67](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-67) Not explicitly present in this chapter, but the Maypole Inn and its regulars are part of the broader narrative context. ### [Chapter 72](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-72) Comically slow to comprehend Joe's lost arm, repeatedly confirming the fact with bewilderment. ### [Chapter 78](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-78) Sits by the fire, finally conceives the idea of claiming compensation for the Maypole, and is stunned by Joe's news and Dolly's arrival. ### [Chapter the Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-the-last) Never recovers from the shock of the riots; dies after a stroke, leaving a large sum of money. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/john_willet - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters