Bleak House · Character

Mr. Tulkinghorn

The Dedlock family solicitor who keeps no clerks, answers to no one, and hoards other people's secrets the way misers hoard gold.

major

Also known as Tulkinghorn, the Tulkinghorn

First appearance: In Fashion

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

The Dedlock family solicitor, discreet and observant; reads the Jarndyce and Jarndyce affidavits and notices Lady Dedlock's strange reaction.

In the storyIn FashionOpen this moment free

See Mr. Tulkinghorn in In Fashion Book page

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

Mr. Tulkinghorn moves between Chesney Wold and his dusty London chambers with the same impenetrable stillness, a man whose clients need him but never quite possess him. He has uncovered something about Lady Dedlock, and rather than act on it, he holds it — watching, waiting, savoring the power of knowing. His cold patience makes him the novel's most quietly menacing presence, a man who collects lives the way others collect curiosities.

Continue beside the text

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

See Mr. Tulkinghorn in In Fashion

Character Web

40 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Psychological
Other

Character groups

Chancery and Mystery Core

+35 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

Relationships

Sir Leicester Dedlock
professional · ambivalent
Tulkinghorn is the Dedlock family lawyer, managing legal affairs and wielding power… How this plays out →
Lady Dedlock
psychological · negative
Sir Leicester Dedlock
professional · ambivalent
Tulkinghorn is the Dedlock family lawyer, managing legal affairs and wielding power… How this plays out →
Lady Dedlock
psychological · negative
Sir Leicester Dedlock
professional · ambivalent
Tulkinghorn is the Dedlock family lawyer, managing legal affairs and wielding power… How this plays out →
Lady Dedlock
psychological · negative

Sir Leicester Dedlock
Tulkinghorn is the Dedlock family lawyer, managing legal affairs and wielding power through secrets.
Lady Dedlock
Tulkinghorn blackmails and manipulates Lady Dedlock, threatening to expose her secret past.
Sir Leicester Dedlock
Tulkinghorn is the Dedlock family lawyer, managing legal affairs and wielding power through secrets.
Lady Dedlock
Tulkinghorn blackmails and manipulates Lady Dedlock, threatening to expose her secret past.
Sir Leicester Dedlock
Tulkinghorn is the Dedlock family lawyer, managing legal affairs and wielding power through secrets.
Lady Dedlock
Tulkinghorn blackmails and manipulates Lady Dedlock, threatening to expose her secret past.

Relationship notes

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

See Mr. Tulkinghorn in In Fashion

In the story

Mr. Tulkinghorn appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

In Fashion
The Dedlock family solicitor, discreet and observant; reads the Jarndyce and Jarndyce affidavits and notices Lady Dedlock's strange reaction.
X: The Law-Writer
The secretive lawyer who lives in Lincoln's Inn Fields and visits Snagsby's shop.
Our Dear Brother
Attends the inquest and questions Mr. Snagsby about the deceased, showing his professional interest in the case.
Tom-All-Alone’s
Sits in his chambers contemplating a warrant against Gridley and observes a mysterious woman leaving his house.
Mr. Bucket
Sits alone in his chambers drinking old port, reflecting on his secrets and the mysteries he knows.
More Old Soldiers Than One
Angrily dismisses George for his association with Gridley and later questions him about Captain Hawdon's handwriting.
The Young Man
Comes and goes at Chesney Wold and the townhouse, quietly observing Lady Dedlock with a relentless, knowing gaze.
National and Domestic
Mr. Tulkinghorn is present at Chesney Wold; Sir Leicester asks him to ring for candles, indicating his role as a trusted legal advisor.
In Mr. Tulkinghorn’s Room
Methodically reveals his knowledge of Lady Dedlock's secret, asserting control and prioritizing Sir Leicester's honor.
In Mr. Tulkinghorn's Chambers
Confronts Mademoiselle Hortense in his chambers, threatening her with prison if she continues her harassment.
XLVIII: Closing In
Observes Lady Dedlock's actions with silent calculation, confronts her about dismissing Rosa, and asserts a new, more direct authority over her.
Springing a Mine
Deceased; his investigations into Lady Dedlock's past are recounted by Mr. Bucket.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mr. Tulkinghorn in In Fashion