# Susan Nipper — Dombey and Son character guide

> Susan Nipper in Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Susan Nipper, Miss Nipper, Susan, Nipper, the Nipper

**First appearance:** 0006-iii-in-which-mr-dombey-as-a-man-and-a-father-is-seen-at-the-head-of-the-home-department

## Snapshot

Florence's black-eyed maid of twelve years' service, who twitches, stamps, and speaks truth to Mr. Dombey when no one else dares.

## Who they are

Susan Nipper has waited on Miss Floy since the child could barely speak, and her loyalty has hardened into something fierce and unapologetic. When Mr. Dombey lies helpless on his sofa, she seizes the moment to tell him exactly what his daughter is worth, heedless of her own position. Her blunt, breathless defiance gives the household its only honest voice, and her devotion to Florence anchors the reader's sympathy through the family's coldest years.

## Relationships

### [Florence Dombey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/florence_dombey)

_friendship_

Susan Nipper is Florence's fiercely loyal maid and confidante, defending her against all slights with outspoken devotion.

### [Florence Dombey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/florence_dombey)

_friendship_

Susan Nipper is Florence's fiercely loyal maid and confidante, defending her against all slights with outspoken devotion.

### [Florence Dombey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/florence_dombey)

_friendship_

Susan Nipper is Florence's fiercely loyal maid and confidante, defending her against all slights with outspoken devotion.

## In the story

### [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)

Florence's maid, resentful of Polly's temporary status and influence in the household.

### [Paul's Progress and Christening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/v-paul-s-progress-and-christening)

Susan Nipper shows her disgust at Mrs. Chick and Miss Tox's presence by making wry faces behind the door.

### [Paul's Second Deprivation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/vi-paul-s-second-deprivation)

Encourages the excursion and accompanies the children; later escorts Florence home from Walter's uncle's house.

### [Walter Goes Away](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xix-walter-goes-away)

Accompanies Florence; makes tea and shows emotional support during the visit.

### [Florence Solitary, and the Midshipman Mysterious](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxiii-florence-solitary-and-the-midshipman-mysterious)

Attends Florence and begins to grow learned herself through her young mistress's studies.

### [XXVIII: Alterations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxviii-alterations)

Accompanies Florence and shares her observations about Mr. Carker's influence over Mr. Dombey.

### [The Watches of the Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xliii-the-watches-of-the-night)

Susan is protective of Florence and resentful of Mrs. Pipchin's influence. She expresses jealousy and suspicion toward Edith, though she tries to hide it.

### [A Separation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xliv-a-separation)

Confronts Mr. Dombey to defend Florence, is dismissed, and leaves the house with Mr. Toots's help.

### [Several People Delighted, and the Game Chicken Disgusted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/lvi-several-people-delighted-and-the-game-chicken-disgusted)

Accompanies Mr. Toots to church for the banns reading, offering him commiseration.

### [Another Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/lvii-another-wedding)

Acts as a bridesmaid at the wedding, sneezing in the dusty vestry.

### [LX: Chiefly Matrimonial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/lx-chiefly-matrimonial)

Now Mrs. Toots, she is overjoyed to see Florence and the baby, and insists on wearing her old servant's dress to avoid seeming strange.

### [LXI: Relenting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/lxi-relenting)

Is called to Mr. Dombey's bedside, where he forgives her past words and asks her to stay.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters/susan_nipper
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dombey_and_son_se/characters