Dombey and Son · Character

Polly Toodle

A warm, abundant mother hired as wet nurse to little Paul, she is renamed 'Richards' and made to leave her own children behind.

supporting

Also known as Polly, Toodle, Polly Toodle, Richards, Mrs. Richards

First appearance: In Which Timely Provision Is Made for an Emergency That Will Sometimes Arise in the Best-Regulated Families

As a supporting figure in Dombey and Son, Polly Toodle is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Hired as wet nurse for the Dombey baby, reluctantly leaves her own family with great distress.

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Polly Toodle, wife of a stoker and mother of a brood, is engaged by Mr. Dombey on condition she answer only to 'Richards' and sever contact with her family. Her natural warmth floods the cold house, and her love for Paul becomes the first real affection he knows, even as her own children wait at home. She matters because she exposes the cruelty of Dombey's world and gives the novel its clearest image of ordinary, unpretending love.

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See Polly Toodle in In Which Timely Provision Is Made for an Emergency That Will Sometimes Arise in the Best-Regulated Families

Character Web

25 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central characters and household
Protagonist
Lower-class family and schemers

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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

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

In Which Timely Provision Is Made for an Emergency That Will Sometimes Arise in the Best-Regulated Families
Hired as wet nurse for the Dombey baby, reluctantly leaves her own family with great distress.
In Which Mr. Dombey, as a Man and a Father, Is Seen at the Head of the Home-Department
Serves as Paul's wet nurse, tries to comfort Florence with a story about her mother's death, and attempts to bring Florence closer to her father.
Paul's Second Deprivation
Takes the children to Staggs's Gardens despite misgivings; is blamed by Mrs. Chick for Florence's wandering.
What the Waves Were Always Saying
Paul's old nurse is brought to him; she weeps over him and he recognizes her kind face, calling her his old nurse.
A Trifle of Management by Mr. Carker the Manager
Grateful to Carker for helping Rob; she tearfully embraces her son.
Miss Tox Improves an Old Acquaintance
Gratified by Miss Tox's visit and offer to teach her children, she welcomes the renewed friendship.
LIX: Retribution
Arrives with Mr. Toodle at the empty house, brought in to help after Mrs. Pipchin's departure.

Chapter companion notes

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See Polly Toodle in In Which Timely Provision Is Made for an Emergency That Will Sometimes Arise in the Best-Regulated Families