# Mr. M'Choakumchild — Hard Times character guide

> Mr. M'Choakumchild in Hard Times by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mr. M'Choakumchild, good M'Choakumchild, M'Choakumchild

**First appearance:** 0002-ii-murdering-the-innocents

## Who they are

A dreary schoolteacher who drills facts into Gradgrind's students.

## In the story

### [Book the First: Sowing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hard_times_se/chapters/book-the-first-sowing)

The schoolmaster, trained in the system of facts, who is tasked with implementing Gradgrind's philosophy.

### [The One Thing Needful](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hard_times_se/chapters/i-the-one-thing-needful)

The schoolmaster present in the room, backing the speaker's emphasis on Facts.

### [Murdering the Innocents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hard_times_se/chapters/ii-murdering-the-innocents)

The schoolmaster, recently trained in a factory-like system, begins his lesson, filled with facts but lacking the ability to nurture imagination.

### [VIII: Never Wonder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hard_times_se/chapters/viii-never-wonder)

Mentioned as an exemplar of the educational system that aims to eliminate wonder in children.

### [IX: Sissy's Progress](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hard_times_se/chapters/ix-sissy-s-progress)

Reported Sissy's poor progress in arithmetic and political economy, emphasizing her inability to grasp facts.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hard_times_se/characters/m_choakumchild
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hard_times_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hard_times_se/characters