Dombey and Son · Character

Mrs. Perch

Mr. Perch's wife, often pregnant.

minor

Also known as Mrs. Perch, Perch

First appearance: Shipping Intelligence and Office Business

Mrs. Perch shows up with force in Shipping Intelligence and Office Business. The page is where that presence becomes real.

The messenger, extremely deferential; prepares Mr.

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In Shipping Intelligence and Office Business: The messenger, extremely deferential; prepares Mr. Dombey's room and hangs up his coat and hat. Later, in Captain Cuttle Does a Little Business for the Young People: The…

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Character Web

23 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Kindred kind-hearted allies
Lower-class family and schemers
Central characters and household

+18 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this scene, Susan Nipper’s bold, unauthorized confrontation with Mr. Dombey represents the story’s emotiona…

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In the story

Mrs. Perch appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Shipping Intelligence and Office Business
The messenger, extremely deferential; prepares Mr. Dombey's room and hangs up his coat and hat.
Captain Cuttle Does a Little Business for the Young People
The messenger at the Dombey office; Captain Cuttle invites him for a glass of rum-and-water and toasts Walter.
Father and Daughter
The messenger, who stays long on errands and treats his wife to a veal cutlet and Scotch ale.
A Trifle of Management by Mr. Carker the Manager
The messenger who reports Rob's loitering and suggests having him removed.
Recognizant and Reflective
Admires Mr. Carker's industry, though it cuts into his domestic time with Mrs. Perch and their twins.
LIII: More Intelligence
Delivers a note to John Carker, visibly shaken by the scandal at Dombey and Son.
After a Lapse
The messenger who becomes a minor celebrity due to the bankruptcy, telling exaggerated stories to curious listeners.

Chapter companion notes

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