Bleak House · Character

Harold Skimpole

A childlike, charming parasite who drifts through Bleak House on other people's money, calling his irresponsibility a kind of innocence.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Skimpole, Skimpole, Harold

First appearance: Quite at Home

As a supporting figure in Bleak House, Harold Skimpole is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Presented as a charming, childlike man who disclaims all responsibility and lives off the generosity of others; entertains the company with music and playful speeches.

In the storyQuite at HomeOpen this moment free

See Harold Skimpole in Quite at Home Book page

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

Skimpole is Jarndyce's favored guest, a man of taste and talk who never pays a debt and never feels a pang about it. His pose of helpless aestheticism masks a cold indifference to the people he sponges from, including…

Continue beside the text

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

See Harold Skimpole in Quite at Home

Character Web

21 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Jarndyce's Circle and Allies
Chancery and Mystery Core
Protagonist

+16 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

This passage marks the dramatic climax because it depicts Esther’s psychological reversal from illness and los…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Harold Skimpole appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Quite at Home
Presented as a charming, childlike man who disclaims all responsibility and lives off the generosity of others; entertains the company with music and playful speeches.
Bell Yard
Reappears, charmingly professing childishness and reframing his relationship with Coavinses as benevolent patronage.
Lady Dedlock
Skimpole is mentioned in a reflective passage where he expresses his cosmopolitan views on slaves and adventurers, showing his detachment from practical concerns.
Nurse and Patient
Skimpole dismisses Jo's plight with flippant remarks, suggesting he be turned out and amusing himself with music.
Jarndyce and Jarndyce
Skimpole visits and makes merry, speaking of being bailed out and drinking to 'somebody' who helps him.
XLIII: Esther's Narrative
Mr. Skimpole is discussed as an 'encourager' to Richard, though Mr. Jarndyce dismisses his seriousness.
XLIV: The Letter and the Answer
Prolongs his stay at Bleak House during the week after the letter is sent.
Chapter LVII: Esther's Narrative
Mentioned by Mr. Bucket, who knows him and comments on his character and lack of money sense.
A Discovery
Visits Richard and Ada; Esther confronts him about his careless gaiety and his effect on their finances.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Harold Skimpole in Quite at Home