Preface of 1867
Dickens explains that Mr. Dombey's character does not undergo a violent change; rather, he is in a perpetual internal struggle with his own sense of injustice.
Dombey and Son
The proud and ambitious father, focused on his son as the heir to the family business.
Dombey and Son
Exults in the birth of his son, viewing him as the heir to Dombey and Son, and shows cold indifference to his wife and daughter.
In Which Timely Provision Is Made for an Emergency That Will Sometimes Arise in the Best-Regulated Families
Arranges for Polly Toodle as wet nurse, insists on a purely business arrangement, and privately grieves for his son and late wife.
In Which Mr. Dombey, as a Man and a Father, Is Seen at the Head of the Home-Department
Observes his infant son from a distance, keeps the house in mourning, and treats Florence with cold indifference.
Paul's Progress and Christening
Mr. Dombey remains impassive and formal during the christening, showing condescension toward Miss Tox and coldness toward Florence.
Paul's Second Deprivation
Reacts sternly to Florence's adventure, reprimands Polly, and shows instinctive dislike for Walter's pride in his role.
Paul’s Further Progress, Growth and Character
Mr. Dombey is impatient for Paul to grow up and fulfill his role as the 'Son' of the firm. He views his son as an extension of his own ambition and is disconcerted by Paul's questions about money and death.
In Which the Wooden Midshipman Gets Into Trouble
The intended recipient of Walter and Captain Cuttle's loan request; not present at the office, having gone to Brighton.
Containing the Sequel of the Midshipman's Disaster
Accepts Major Bagstock's acquaintance, invites him to dinner, and is impressed by the Major's conversation.
Paul’s Introduction to a New Scene
Arranges Paul's enrollment at Doctor Blimber's; expresses pride and ambition for his son's future.
XII: Paul's Education
Observes Paul from a distance, driven by ambition for his son's success but unaware of the emotional and physical strain on Paul.
Shipping Intelligence and Office Business
Presides over his office with cold authority; receives deference from all staff; decides to send Walter Gay to Barbados.
XV: Amazing Artfulness of Captain Cuttle, and a New Pursuit for Walter Gay
Referenced as the one who assigned Walter to Barbados; Walter believes Mr. Dombey dislikes him.
What the Waves Were Always Saying
Mr. Dombey sits silently at the foot of Paul's bed, his face altered with pain, and is bid farewell by Paul who asks him not to be sorry.
Father and Daughter
Bereaved and bitter, he isolates himself and treats Florence with jealousy and coldness.
Mr. Dombey Goes Upon a Journey
Accepts Major Bagstock's hospitality and companionship, feeling his pride reaffirmed by the Major's deference.
New Faces
Accompanies Major Bagstock on walks and visits, showing interest in Edith Granger.
Florence Solitary, and the Midshipman Mysterious
Absent from the house; Florence secretly hopes to reconcile with him.
Shadows of the Past and Future
Embarrassed but receptive to the Major's allusions about Edith; arranges social introductions with Carker.
Deeper Shadows
Arranges the sketching outing, shows pride in his power over Edith, and announces his intention to call on her the next morning.
XXVIII: Alterations
Introduces Florence to Edith Granger, his intended bride, and shows displeasure at the dog Diogenes.
XXIX: The Opening of the Eyes of Mrs. Chick
Mr. Dombey is discussed as the subject of Mrs. Chick's announcement; he has returned home and is planning to remarry, though he does not appear directly in the chapter.
The Interval Before the Marriage
Mr. Dombey is preparing for his marriage to Edith, displaying a lofty gallantry. He agrees to leave Florence with Mrs. Skewton during the honeymoon.
The Wedding
The groom, proud and solemn, leads his bride through the ceremony.
The Wooden Midshipman Goes to Pieces
The Captain attends his wedding in disguise, from the gallery.
XXXV: The Happy Pair
Covertly watches Florence while pretending to sleep, beginning to soften toward her and feel remorse for his neglect.
Housewarming
Walks restlessly before dinner, introduces guests to Edith with stiff formality, and later confronts her for not showing enough deference to his friends.
More Warnings Than One
Mentioned as the authority figure whose pride and stubbornness Carker exploits; he is unaware of the schemes around him.
Miss Tox Improves an Old Acquaintance
Referenced as the object of Miss Tox's continued admiration and interest, though she feels distanced from him.
Domestic Relations
His pride is further entrenched by Edith's resistance; he rejects her proposal for peace and asserts his authority by involving Carker and planning to hire Mrs. Pipchin.
Confidential and Accidental
Commands Carker to deliver a harsh message to Edith, insisting on his absolute authority; later thrown from his horse and injured.
The Watches of the Night
Mr. Dombey is injured and confined to his room, attended only by servants. He remains cold and distant from both Florence and Edith.
A Separation
Enraged by Susan's accusations, he dismisses her and struggles with his helplessness.
XLV: The Trusty Agent
Referenced as the husband Edith despises and as Carker's 'instructor' and patient.
The Thunderbolt
His pride and need for control drive him to humiliate Edith publicly, but his obsession with his own importance blinds him to the consequences.
Mr. Dombey and the World
Proud and silent, he refuses to speak of Florence and is consumed by the world's opinion.
Secret Intelligence
Visits Mrs. Brown's hovel to obtain secret intelligence about Edith's flight; hides behind a door to overhear Rob the Grinder.
LIII: More Intelligence
Consumed by a vengeful pursuit of the traitor, his pride and implacability drive him toward revenge.
The Fugitives
Not physically present in the room, but his voice is heard among those at the door, and Edith claims to have seen him in a carriage earlier.
After a Lapse
Has lost his firm and is personally ruined, but insists on paying all debts; he isolates himself and refuses to see anyone.
LIX: Retribution
Broken by bankruptcy, he remains shut up in his empty house, tormented by pride and regret over losing Florence.
LXI: Relenting
Lies ill and delirious, haunted by his past, but gradually recognizes Florence's devotion and begins to relent.
Final
Now a white-haired gentleman, humbled and devoted to his daughter and her family.
