Great Expectations · Character

Orlick

A brooding journeyman blacksmith who has always hated Pip, he carries a grudge like a hammer and waits for the right dark night.

supporting

Also known as Old Orlick, gruff Old Orlick, Dolge Orlick

First appearance: Chapter XVI

As a supporting figure in Great Expectations, Orlick is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Orlick resents Pip, demands a half-holiday, and later lurks in the fog on the way home.

In the storyChapter XVOpen this moment free

See Orlick in Chapter XV Book page

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Orlick works the forge at Joe's side but belongs to no one, a sullen figure whose resentment of Pip's rise curdles into something murderous. He believes Pip has always been in his way — favored where Orlick was bullied and beaten — and that grievance festers until he comes upon Mrs. Joe from behind and leaves her for dead. When he finally corners Pip in the lonely marshes, he is not just a thug but an accuser, insisting the violence was Pip's doing all along; his menace gives the novel its sharpest reminder that Pip's good fortune has a cost paid by others.

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See Orlick in Chapter XVI

Character Web

14 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Minor relatives, servants, and background figures
Pip's moral and social circle
Protagonist

+9 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

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Pip reaches the emotional and psychological peak of his delusio…

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In the story

Orlick appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter XV
Orlick resents Pip, demands a half-holiday, and later lurks in the fog on the way home.
Chapter XVI
Suspected by Pip but has an alibi; Mrs. Joe's hammer symbol points to him, and she behaves fearfully and appeasingly toward him.
Chapter XVII
Orlick is employed at the forge and shows unwanted attention toward Biddy, which Pip resents and tries to obstruct.
XXIX
Orlick has become the gate-porter at Miss Havisham's, showing resentment toward Pip.
Pip's Return to the Blue Boar and Revelations with Herbert
Orlick is mentioned as being paid off by Jaggers after Pip reports his unsuitability for a post at Miss Havisham's.
Chapter XXXV
Mentioned by Biddy as having been seen near the house on the night of Mrs. Joe's death and working in the quarries.
Chapter XLIII
Pip sees a man resembling Orlick outside the inn, though he is too troubled to confirm the identity.
LIII
Reveals his role in Mrs. Joe's attack and his plan to kill Pip; escapes after the rescue.
LVII
Mentioned as having been arrested for breaking into Pumblechook's house.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Orlick unlock in the free preview.

See Orlick in Chapter XVI

See Orlick in Chapter XV