Kipps · Character

Buggins

A fellow draper's assistant at Shalford's emporium and friend of Kipps.

minor

Also known as Poor old Buggins, old Buggins

Buggins's tie to Arthur Kipps is one of the pressures that moves Kipps—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

A thickset young man with a bald head and wise face who instructs Kipps in his duties and engages in intellectual banter with Carshot.

In the storyII: The EmporiumOpen this moment free

See Buggins in II: The Emporium Book page

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With Arthur Kipps (professional): Buggins is Arthur's colleague at Shalford's drapery shop, sharing the drudgery of lower-middle-class work life with him. With Arthur Kipps (professional): Buggins is Arthur's colleague at Shalford's drapery shop, sharing the drudgery of lower-middle-class work life with him. With Arthur Kipps (professional): Buggins is Arthur's colleague at Shalford's drapery shop, sharing the drudgery of lower-middle-class work life with him.

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The fuller portrait of Buggins sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Buggins in II: The Emporium

Character Web

13 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Kipps's social origins and influences
Protagonist
Minor figures and social backdrop

+8 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 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.

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Relationships

Arthur Kipps
professional · positive
Buggins is Arthur's colleague at Shalford's drapery shop, sharing the drudgery of… How this plays out →
Arthur Kipps
professional · positive
Buggins is Arthur's colleague at Shalford's drapery shop, sharing the drudgery of… How this plays out →
Arthur Kipps
professional · positive
Buggins is Arthur's colleague at Shalford's drapery shop, sharing the drudgery of… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Buggins in II: The Emporium

In the story

Buggins appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II: The Emporium
A thickset young man with a bald head and wise face who instructs Kipps in his duties and engages in intellectual banter with Carshot.
III: The Woodcarving Class
Mentioned as one of the drapers who discusses the literary life during lunch, influencing Kipps's dreams.
Swapped
Buggins offers Kipps counsel and reminiscence about being swapped, encouraging him not to lose heart.
The Unexpected
Kipps' fellow assistant, who offers cynical advice about advertisements and later shares the bedroom, providing a contrast to Kipps' excitement.
The New Conditions
Referenced by Kipps as one of the shop chaps who have visited him.
IV: The Bicycle Manufacturer
Mentioned as having suggested to Kipps that he would hire a motor car if he were in Kipps's place.
V: The Pupil Lover
Buggins, along with Pierce, attempts to maintain friendship with Kipps but is rebuffed, illustrating the painful severance of old ties.
Terminations
Mentioned as a source of quotes for Kipps, now running a shop in Folkestone.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Buggins in II: The Emporium