Kipps · Character
Arthur Kipps
A draper's apprentice flung from counter and patched trousers into sudden fortune, Kipps must learn who he is when money rewrites every rule he was raised by.
major
Also known as Kipps, Artie, Art, old Kipps, young Kipps, little Kipps, the fortunate Kipps, Art Kipps, Arthur Waddy Kipps
First appearance: Kipps
As a major figure in Kipps, Arthur Kipps is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
The protagonist, a simple boy from New Romney, beginning his journey as a draper's apprentice.
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Kipps begins as a shop-boy whose world is collars, cribs, and the dread of the 'key of the street,' until an inheritance lifts him into a society whose manners he can only ape. His central struggle is the gap between…
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The fuller portrait of Arthur Kipps sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Arthur Kipps in KippsCharacter Web
27 connectionsA slice of how Arthur Kipps sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Romantic
- Social
- Friendship
Character groups
- Protagonist
- Kipps's social origins and influences
+22 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Kipps experiences the emotional and psychological peak of his inte…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Helen Walshingham
romantic · ambivalent
Arthur is infatuated with Helen, who represents social aspiration and sophistication, but… How this plays out →
- Ann Pornick
romantic · positive
- Chester Coote
social · ambivalent
- Harry Chitterlow
friendship · positive
- Sid Pornick
friendship · positive
- Mrs. Walshingham
social · ambivalent
- Masterman
friendship · positive
- Buggins
professional · positive
- Mr. Shalford
professional · negative
- Pierce
professional · ambivalent
- Miss Coote
social · ambivalent
- Carshot
professional · ambivalent
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Arthur Kipps in KippsIn the story
Arthur Kipps appears across 22 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- Kipps
- Book I: The Making of Kipps
- I: The Little Shop at New Romney
- II: The Emporium
- III: The Woodcarving Class
- IV: Chitterlow
- Swapped
- The Unexpected
- +14 more
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Arthur Kipps unlock in the free preview.
See Arthur Kipps in Kipps