# Mr. Hickman — Clarissa character guide > Mr. Hickman in Clarissa by Samuel Richardson. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Hickman, Mr. Hickman, Charles Hickman, honest Hickman **First appearance:** 0001-clarissa ## Snapshot Anna Howe's patient, worthy suitor, a man so steady and deferential that Anna treats him with amused disdain even as she relies on his devotion. ## Who they are Hickman is the long-suffering admirer of Anna Howe, tolerated rather than embraced, a decent man whose very constancy invites her scorn. Anna confesses she has not shown him Lovelace's letter, fearing that any favour would make him 'grow upon indulgence'—a telling sign of her guarded, teasing power over him. He matters as a foil to Lovelace: a genuinely honourable suitor whose quiet worth highlights, by contrast, the dangerous glamour Clarissa's friend and Clarissa herself are drawn to. ## Relationships ### [Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/clarissa_harlowe) _friendship_ Mr. Hickman is a loyal and supportive friend to Clarissa, often offering her advice and assistance. ### [Robert Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/robert_lovelace) _rivalry_ Hickman and Lovelace are rivals, with Hickman disapproving of Lovelace's treatment of Clarissa and his rakish ways. ### [Lady Betty Lawrance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/lady_betty_lawrance) _friendship_ Lady Betty and Mr. Hickman are allies in their concern for Clarissa, sharing a mutual respect and cooperative bond. ### [Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/clarissa_harlowe) _friendship_ Mr. Hickman is a loyal and supportive friend to Clarissa, often offering her advice and assistance. ### [Lady Betty Lawrance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/lady_betty_lawrance) _friendship_ Lady Betty and Mr. Hickman are allies in their concern for Clarissa, sharing a mutual respect and cooperative bond. ### [Robert Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/robert_lovelace) _rivalry_ Hickman and Lovelace are rivals, with Hickman disapproving of Lovelace's treatment of Clarissa and his rakish ways. ### [Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/clarissa_harlowe) _friendship_ Mr. Hickman is a loyal and supportive friend to Clarissa, often offering her advice and assistance. ### [Robert Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/robert_lovelace) _rivalry_ Hickman and Lovelace are rivals, with Hickman disapproving of Lovelace's treatment of Clarissa and his rakish ways. ## In the story ### [Letter 26: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-26-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Suggested as a possible discreet contact to learn about Lord M.'s opinions. ### [Letter 27: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-27-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Expected from London; Anna has asked him to inquire about Lovelace's conduct. ### [Letter 28: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-28-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Held up as a model of unexceptionable character, contrasted with Lovelace. ### [Letter 46: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-46-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Anna humorously critiques his appearance, manners, and character, noting his courtship of her mother and his lack of manliness compared to Lovelace. ### [Letter 48: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-48-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Conducted the inquiry in London; reported on Lovelace's associates and their conversation. ### [Letter 49: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-49-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as having reported Lovelace's expected presence in town; Anna references him in relation to sounding Lord M. ### [Letter 55: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-55-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Defended by Clarissa as a humble, gentle man well-suited for Anna's vivacity; contrasted favorably with Mr. Solmes. ### [Letter 58: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-58-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as Mrs. Howe's favored suitor for Anna, though Anna dislikes him. ### [Letter 65: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-65-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Escorts Anna and her mother; Anna mocks his fussy and obsequious manner. ### [Letter 66: Mr. Hickman, to Mrs. Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-66-mr-hickman-to-mrs-howe) Writes a heartfelt letter to Mrs. Howe, expressing his grief and decision to cease his courtship of Miss Howe due to her evident disdain. ### [Letter 67: Mrs. Howe, to Charles Hickman, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-67-mrs-howe-to-charles-hickman-esq) Recipient of the letter; advised to be patient with Nancy's behavior. ### [Letter 68: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-68-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Used as a comparison to Lovelace; Anna speculates that he would be similarly domineering if given the chance. ### [Letter 70: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-70-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as having heard in town about Lovelace's frequent attendance at plays and operas with different women. ### [Letter 74: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-74-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Arrives during Anna's conversation with her mother; Anna treats him with playful disdain and uses him as a subject-changer. ### [Letter 87: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-87-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Anna's suitor; she speculates he would accept her even if she helped Clarissa elope. ### [Letter 100: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-100-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Intercedes with Mrs. Howe on Clarissa's behalf and arranges a new correspondence channel via a farmer named Filmer. ### [Letter 107: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-107-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the friend through whom Clarissa sends her letter. ### [Letter 111: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-111-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as Mrs. Howe's favorite, whose kind words can improve her mood. ### [Letter 119: Miss Howe, to Mis Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-119-miss-howe-to-mis-clarissa-harlowe) Sends his compliments and offers of service to Clarissa through Anna. ### [Letter 120: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-120-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as a contrast to Lovelace; Clarissa implies Anna undervalues his worth. ### [Letter 128: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-128-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Anna compares his submissive courtship unfavorably to Lovelace's more dynamic approach. ### [Letter 132: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-132-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Secretly sent two guineas to Hannah Burton; supports the correspondence between Anna and Clarissa; praised by Anna for his charity. ### [Letter 134: Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-134-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Defended by Clarissa as a modest and worthy man, unfairly treated by Anna. ### [Letter 135: Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-135-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as approving of the correspondence and providing cover for letters. ### [Letter 136: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-136-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mr. Hickman is discussed by Anna, who describes his modest demeanor and her desire to maintain power over him. ### [Letter 148: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-148-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as a go-between for correspondence; Anna has a reason for directing letters through him. ### [Letter 150: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-150-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Anna's suitor; described as dull and ungraceful but safe and reliable; he was catechized by Mrs. Howe. ### [Letter 156: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-156-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Helped Anna devise the correspondence expedient. ### [Letter 164: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-164-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as offering casuistical advice that Anna should not decline correspondence with Clarissa. ### [Letter 165: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-165-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as a possible intermediary for correspondence; Clarissa suggests Anna use his pen. ### [Letter 166: Mr. Hickman, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-166-mr-hickman-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Writes to Clarissa at Miss Howe's command, conveying her concern and offering his own services. ### [Letter 173: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-173-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) His letter is mentioned as having been sent to Clarissa via Anna Howe. ### [Letter 182: Mrs. Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-182-mrs-harlowe-to-mrs-norton) His insinuated application for Clarissa has been discouraged by Antony Harlowe. ### [Letter 184: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-184-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as having carried Clarissa's application to her family, which met with bad returns. ### [Letter 196: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-196-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Anna shows him Lovelace's proposals; his cautious deliberation irritates her. ### [Letter 197: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-197-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned in passing as a contrast to Anna's behavior toward her mother's suitor. ### [Letter 208: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-208-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Target of Lovelace's scheme; he plans to push him overboard or set him ashore. ### [Letter 217: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-217-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Credited by Clarissa for his kind intervention that supposedly led to the reconciliation. ### [Letter 219: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-219-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned by Lovelace as a contrast to his own active, rakish behavior. ### [Letter 229: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-229-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as a good man; Lovelace considers punishing him but decides against it due to his character and to avoid blowing his cover. ### [Letter 236: Mr. Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-236-mr-lovelace) Mentioned as a virtuous, novice-like man whom Miss Howe supposedly despises. ### [Letter 240: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-240-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Clarissa's letter to Miss Howe is directed under cover to Hickman. ### [Letter 252: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-252-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as having offered to protect Clarissa; Lovelace mocks his tears and prostration. ### [Letter 319: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-319-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as a potential attendant for Clarissa, but his movements are watched; letters are to be sent under his cover. ### [Letter 320: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-320-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as a possible target of Lovelace's vindictive attempts; Clarissa sends compliments to him. ### [Letter 327: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-327-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as having gone on an errand for Anna's mother; proposed to escort Clarissa on her journey. ### [Letter 341: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-341-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace expresses a mortal aversion to him and interprets his request for an interview as a challenge. ### [Letter 342: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-342-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as accompanying Anna and her mother to the Isle of Wight, and his sister has visited and likes Anna. ### [Letter 346: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-346-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Visits Lovelace on behalf of Miss Howe; is flustered and outmaneuvered by Lovelace's evasions. ### [Letter 350: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-350-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace compares Belford's speeches to Hickman's stiff ruffles and notes that Hickman will accompany Mrs. Howe to the ball. ### [Letter 358: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-358-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Had a conference with Lovelace and reports his belief in Lovelace's sincerity; may visit Clarissa privately. ### [Letter 360: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-360-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Expected to visit Clarissa; she praises his gentle manners and love for Anna. ### [Letter 365: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-365-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Visits Clarissa on behalf of Miss Howe, delivers a letter, and is visibly grieved by her appearance. ### [Letter 366: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-366-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Presses Clarissa to accept Miss Howe's offer; describes Lovelace's behavior at the ball; deeply moved at parting with Clarissa. ### [Letter 367: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-367-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as having a proposal for Clarissa and as a witness to Lovelace's behavior; Anna will relay Clarissa's mind through him. ### [Letter 368: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-368-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Sent by Anna to visit Clarissa; Clarissa mentions discussing the invitation with him. ### [Letter 371: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-371-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace references Hickman's account of his interview with Miss Howe and decides to let him have her. ### [Letter 372: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-372-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as Anna's suitor; Anna asserts her independence regarding friendships after marriage. ### [Letter 379: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-379-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned in relation to Anna's marriage; Clarissa declines to hasten the day. ### [Letter 404: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-404-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Speaks well of Belford, though Anna dismisses his penetration. ### [Letter 434: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-434-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Anna keeps him in a probationary state, subjecting him to penance for negligences. ### [Letter 435: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-435-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the worthy but modest suitor whom Anna is advised to treat with respect and generosity. ### [Letter 444: Mr. Brand, to John Harlowe, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-444-mr-brand-to-john-harlowe-esq) Mentioned as having visited Clarissa from Miss Howe, and observed with Belford. ### [Letter 455: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-455-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned by Anna as a potential husband she finds unappealing; she criticizes his lack of wit and understanding. ### [Letter 456: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-456-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned in passing; Anna is offended with him at the moment. ### [Letter 458: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-458-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Clarissa advises Anna to value his sobriety and regularity, and to make up with him. ### [Letter 465: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-465-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-norton) Clarissa advises him to bear with Miss Howe's coyness, promising future gratitude and love. ### [Letter 476: Mr. Belford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-476-mr-belford) Recipient of Clarissa's gift of Miss Howe's miniature. ### [Letter 492: To John and Antony Harlowe, Esqrs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-492-to-john-and-antony-harlowe-esqrs) Praised by Clarissa as a sincere, honest, virtuous, and pious man, worthy of Anna Howe. ### [Letter 494: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-494-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Comforts Mrs. Howe and Anna, expresses his own sorrow, and praises Clarissa as an 'Angel of Light'. ### [Letter 504: Colonel Morden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-504-colonel-morden) Present incognito, shows great emotion during the burial. ### [Letter 510: Miss Montague, to John Belford, Esq. M. Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-510-miss-montague-to-john-belford-esq-m-hall) Corresponds with Belford, responds with equanimity to Lovelace's levity, and embraces Belford's friendship. ### [Letter 520: Colonel Morden, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-520-colonel-morden-to-john-belford-esq) Described as a worthy and gentle man who mourns Clarissa and is treated poorly by Miss Howe, though he remains devoted. ### [Letter 523: Miss Howe, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-523-miss-howe-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as Miss Howe's suitor; she discusses her hesitation to marry him due to her independent nature. ### [Letter 535: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-535-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned in a hypothetical comparison regarding treatment of Clarissa. ### [Postscript Referred to in the Preface](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/postscript-referred-to-in-the-preface) Defended against objections to his meekness; his unexceptionable morals and integrity are praised; he is made signally happy. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/mr_hickman - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters