# Mr. Dombey — Dombey and Son character guide > Mr. Dombey in Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Dombey, Mr. Dombey, Paul Dombey Sr. **First appearance:** 0004-i-dombey-and-son ## Snapshot The starch-stiff, arrogant head of the shipping house Dombey and Son, whose love for his heir is really love of his own consequence. ## Who they are Mr. Dombey is a man of frozen dignity who regards his son less as a child than as the future embodiment of the firm's grandeur, planning for a grown man while ignoring the boy in front of him. His parental affection, such as it is, traces to a very low foundation of selfishness, and his coldness toward his daughter Florence is as instinctive as his pride. He matters because his monumental vanity sets the tragedy of the household in motion and defines the world his children must survive. ## Relationships ### [Mr. Carker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/mr_carker) _professional_ Carker is Mr. Dombey's cunning and manipulative manager, who secretly schemes against him while feigning loyalty. ### [Florence Dombey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/florence_dombey) _family_ Florence desperately seeks the love of her cold, neglectful father, who rejects her after Paul's death, creating a painful estrangement. ### [Major Bagstock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/major_bagstock) _friendship_ Major Bagstock is a sycophantic, manipulative friend who flatters Mr. Dombey while secretly exploiting his pride for his own amusement. ### [Paul Dombey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/paul_dombey) _family_ Mr. Dombey idolizes his frail son Paul as his business heir, but his cold, prideful love contributes to Paul's isolation and early death. ### [Mrs. Chick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/mrs_chick) _family_ Mrs. Chick is Mr. Dombey's sister, who enables his pride and coldness while meddling in family affairs with little real affection. ### [Edith Dombey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/edith_dombey) _family_ Edith and Mr. Dombey are locked in a cold, prideful marriage of convenience, marked by mutual resentment and a battle of wills. ### [Sir Barnet Skettles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/sir_barnet_skettles) _social_ Mr. Dombey and Sir Barnet Skettles maintain a formal, status-conscious social acquaintance, based on business and class respectability. ### [Major Bagstock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/major_bagstock) _friendship_ Major Bagstock is a sycophantic, manipulative friend who flatters Mr. Dombey while secretly exploiting his pride for his own amusement. ### [Mr. Carker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/mr_carker) _professional_ Carker is Mr. Dombey's cunning and manipulative manager, who secretly schemes against him while feigning loyalty. ### [Mr. Carker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/mr_carker) _professional_ Carker is Mr. Dombey's cunning and manipulative manager, who secretly schemes against him while feigning loyalty. ### [Mrs. Chick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/mrs_chick) _family_ Mrs. Chick is Mr. Dombey's sister, who enables his pride and coldness while meddling in family affairs with little real affection. ### [Sir Barnet Skettles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/sir_barnet_skettles) _social_ Mr. Dombey and Sir Barnet Skettles maintain a formal, status-conscious social acquaintance, based on business and class respectability. ## In the story ### [Preface of 1867](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/dombey-and-son) The proud and ambitious father, focused on his son as the heir to the family business. ### [Dombey and Son](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/iii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/v-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/vi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/viii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/ix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/x-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xiii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xviii-father-and-daughter) Bereaved and bitter, he isolates himself and treats Florence with jealousy and coldness. ### [Mr. Dombey Goes Upon a Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xx-mr-dombey-goes-upon-a-journey) Accepts Major Bagstock's hospitality and companionship, feeling his pride reaffirmed by the Major's deference. ### [New Faces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxi-new-faces) Accompanies Major Bagstock on walks and visits, showing interest in Edith Granger. ### [Florence Solitary, and the Midshipman Mysterious](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxiii-florence-solitary-and-the-midshipman-mysterious) Absent from the house; Florence secretly hopes to reconcile with him. ### [Shadows of the Past and Future](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxvi-shadows-of-the-past-and-future) Embarrassed but receptive to the Major's allusions about Edith; arranges social introductions with Carker. ### [Deeper Shadows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxx-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxxi-the-wedding) The groom, proud and solemn, leads his bride through the ceremony. ### [The Wooden Midshipman Goes to Pieces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxxii-the-wooden-midshipman-goes-to-pieces) The Captain attends his wedding in disguise, from the gallery. ### [XXXV: The Happy Pair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxxv-the-happy-pair) Covertly watches Florence while pretending to sleep, beginning to soften toward her and feel remorse for his neglect. ### [Housewarming](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxxvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxxvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxxviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xl-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xlii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xliii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xliv-a-separation) Enraged by Susan's accusations, he dismisses her and struggles with his helplessness. ### [XLV: The Trusty Agent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xlv-the-trusty-agent) Referenced as the husband Edith despises and as Carker's 'instructor' and patient. ### [The Thunderbolt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xlvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/li-mr-dombey-and-the-world) Proud and silent, he refuses to speak of Florence and is consumed by the world's opinion. ### [Secret Intelligence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/lii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/liii-more-intelligence) Consumed by a vengeful pursuit of the traitor, his pride and implacability drive him toward revenge. ### [The Fugitives](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/liv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/lviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/lix-retribution) Broken by bankruptcy, he remains shut up in his empty house, tormented by pride and regret over losing Florence. ### [LXI: Relenting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/lxi-relenting) Lies ill and delirious, haunted by his past, but gradually recognizes Florence's devotion and begins to relent. ### [Final](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/lxii-final) Now a white-haired gentleman, humbled and devoted to his daughter and her family. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/mr_dombey - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters