# Magwitch — Great Expectations character guide > Magwitch in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Abel Magwitch, Abel, Provis, Mr. Provis, Dear Magwitch **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Snapshot A escaped convict from the marshes who never forgets the boy who stole him a file and a pie—and repays him beyond imagining. ## Who they are Magwitch enters Pip's life as a terror on the mudflats, a starving fugitive who demands food and a file and threatens worse. What Pip cannot see is that this desperate man is building a fortune in exile for the boy who showed him a moment's kindness. His shadowy generosity drives the entire plot, and his eventual arrival forces Pip to reckon with where his great expectations truly come from. ## Relationships ### [Herbert Pocket](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/characters/herbert_pocket) _friendship_ Herbert becomes a loyal friend and business partner to Magwitch (under the alias Provis), helping him escape London. ### [Herbert Pocket](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/characters/herbert_pocket) _friendship_ Herbert becomes a loyal friend and business partner to Magwitch (under the alias Provis), helping him escape London. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/i) The escaped convict who threatens Pip and demands he bring a file and food. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/ii) Magwitch is the escaped convict Pip met in the churchyard, whose threat drives Pip's fear and secret actions. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/iii) The first convict is cold, hungry, and desperate; he eats voraciously and becomes enraged upon learning of the second convict. ### [The Soldiers at the Forge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/v) Magwitch is recaptured on the marshes. He confesses to stealing food from the blacksmith's, clearing Pip of suspicion. He is taken aboard the prison ship, never looking at Pip except once. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/xxviii) Though not named directly, the convict Pip recognizes is the same man from the Three Jolly Bargemen, later revealed to be Magwitch; he discusses delivering two one-pound notes to the boy who helped him. ### [Chapter XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/xxxix) Magwitch reveals himself as Pip's benefactor, expressing pride in making Pip a gentleman and showing deep affection, though Pip recoils from him. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/xl) Magwitch, now calling himself Provis, is staying in Pip's chambers; he eats ravenously, smokes, and expresses his desire to see Pip live as a gentleman, despite Pip's aversion. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/xli) Boasts of making Pip a gentleman, remains oblivious to Pip's feelings, and insists on lavish plans for the future. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/xlii) Narrates his life of crime, imprisonment, and partnership with Compeyson, expressing affection for Pip. ### [Chapter XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/xliii) Magwitch is the returned convict whose secret Pip harbors; Pip plans to get him abroad for safety. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/xlv) Magwitch is the hidden person referred to as Tom, Jack, or Richard; he has been moved to a safe house near the river to avoid detection. ### [Chapter XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/xlvi) Living under the alias Mr. Campbell, appears softened and agrees to the escape plan. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/xlvii) Pip's patron, now known as his benefactor; Pip refuses to take more money from him and sends back the pocketbook. ### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/l) Revealed to have been involved with a jealous woman who was tried for murder and acquitted; he lost his child and the child's mother. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/li) Magwitch is identified as Estella's father, though he is unaware of her existence. Pip reveals his name (Provis) and his connection to New South Wales. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/liii) Referenced as Provis; Pip fears for his safety and plans to help him escape. ### [The Flight Down the River](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/liv) Wounded and shackled, but calm and content to have seen Pip; reflects on freedom and his past. ### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/lvi) Magwitch is tried, sentenced to death, and dies in prison. He shows humility and contrition, and learns that his daughter Estella is alive and loved by Pip. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/characters/magwitch - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/great_expectations_se/characters