Bleak House · Character

Jo

A homeless, illiterate crossing-sweeper whose small knowledge of a buried secret makes him a target for powerful people.

supporting

Also known as Joe Pouch

First appearance: x the law writer

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

Visits the cemetery at night, sweeping the step and muttering that Nemo 'wos wery good to me.'

In the storyOur Dear BrotherOpen this moment free

See Jo in Our Dear Brother Book page

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

Jo survives on the streets of London, sweeping crossings for pennies and sleeping wherever he can, ignored by nearly everyone who passes. He knows a little about a buried secret, and that little makes him dangerous to…

Continue beside the text

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

See Jo in x the law writer

Character Web

22 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Secrets and the Underworld
Chancery and Mystery Core

+17 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

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

Our Dear Brother
Visits the cemetery at night, sweeping the step and muttering that Nemo 'wos wery good to me.'
Tom-All-Alone’s
A poor crossing-sweeper living in Tom-all-Alone’s, utterly ignorant and struggling to survive.
Moving On
Tells his story about receiving a sovereign from a lady, but is disbelieved and ordered to move on.
Mr. Bucket
The 'Tough Subject,' brought by Mr. Bucket to identify the veiled lady; he notes the clothing but says the hand is different.
Mrs. Snagsby Sees It All
Brought to the Snagsby house for a religious meeting with Mr. Chadband; receives food from Guster and a half-crown from Mr. Snagsby, who warns him to keep quiet about the lady.
Nurse and Patient
Jo is taken in sick and sheltered in the loft, but he mysteriously disappears during the night.
XLVI: Stop Him!
Jo is found by the woman and chased down by Allan Woodcourt. He is terrified of a man who threatened him to leave London and never be seen again. He reveals that he was taken to a hospital and given money to move on. He expresses remorse for leaving the young lady who helped him.
XLVII: Jo’s Will
The dying crossing-sweeper, weak and miserable, tells his story of the lady in the veil.
Chapter LVII: Esther's Narrative
Referenced by Mr. Bucket as 'Toughey'; Bucket had warned him to leave London to keep Lady Dedlock's secret quiet.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Jo in x the law writer

See Jo in Our Dear Brother