Great Expectations · Character

Mr. Pumblechook

A pompous corn-chandler with fishy eyes and windy arithmetic, who bullies Pip as a boy and claims credit for his rise as a man.

supporting

Also known as Pumblechook, Uncle Pumblechook, bullying old Pumblechook, the servile Pumblechook

First appearance: The Soldiers at the Forge

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

Pumblechook is a pompous guest who moralizes at Pip, comparing him unfavorably to a pig.

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Pumblechook stuffs himself at Mrs. Joe's table, drills Pip through the pence-table for sport, and boasts of connections he does not have. He is the first to sniff advantage in Pip's visits to Miss Havisham, and the…

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See Mr. Pumblechook in The Soldiers at the Forge

Character Web

22 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Hometown tradesmen and servants
Pip's moral and social circle
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

Mr. Pumblechook appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV
Pumblechook is a pompous guest who moralizes at Pip, comparing him unfavorably to a pig. He later drinks the tar-laced brandy Pip secretly prepared.
The Soldiers at the Forge
Pumblechook is present at the dinner party and makes sycophantic comments, such as 'Good again!' at the sergeant's remarks. He suggests giving the sergeant wine instead of brandy.
Chapter VI
Offers a fanciful theory about how the convict entered the pantry.
Chapter VII
Mentioned as accompanying Mrs. Joe on market day trips.
Chapter VIII
Mr. Pumblechook brings Pip to Satis House but is turned away by Estella at the gate.
IX
Visits to hear details of Pip's visit; quizzes Pip on arithmetic and Miss Havisham's appearance, and is deceived by Pip's invented answers.
XII
Pumblechook visits often to discuss Pip's prospects with Mrs. Joe, treating Pip condescendingly and irritating him greatly.
XIII
Hosts Mrs. Joe in his parlor; orchestrates Pip's binding as apprentice and pushes Pip through the crowd to the magistrates.
XXVIII
Mentioned when the waiter at the Blue Boar offers to send for him, but Pip declines.
Chapter XXXV
Attends the funeral in a black cloak, makes obsequious remarks to Pip, and drinks sherry afterward.
LVII
His house was burgled by Orlick.
LVIII
Confronts Pip at the inn, falsely claiming to be his benefactor and preaching about gratitude.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Pumblechook in The Soldiers at the Forge

See Mr. Pumblechook in IV