Little Dorrit · Character

Daniel Doyce

An honest, ingenious mechanic whose inventions are stolen and shelved by government offices, he becomes the one colleague Arthur Clennam can trust without reservation.

supporting

Also known as Doyce, Daniel

First appearance: xxii a puzzle

As a supporting figure in Little Dorrit, Daniel Doyce is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The short man collared by Mr.

In the storyContaining the Whole Science of GovernmentOpen this moment free

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Doyce embodies the novel's quiet argument that merit and patience go unrewarded while pomp and speculation flourish. His workshop is a refuge of plain dealing, and his partnership with Arthur gives the drifting hero a…

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See Daniel Doyce in xxii a puzzle

Character Web

26 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Inventors, Artists, and Shadows
Circumlocution Office and Society
Protagonist

+21 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 represents the story's dramatic climax because it depicts Arthur Clennam’s psychological nadir an…

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Relationships

Arthur Clennam
professional · positive
Arthur partners with the inventor Daniel Doyce in a business venture, respecting his… How this plays out →
Arthur Clennam
professional · positive
Arthur partners with the inventor Daniel Doyce in a business venture, respecting his… How this plays out →
Arthur Clennam
professional · positive
Arthur partners with the inventor Daniel Doyce in a business venture, respecting his… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Daniel Doyce in xxii a puzzle

In the story

Daniel Doyce appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Containing the Whole Science of Government
The short man collared by Mr. Meagles; a practical-looking man with grey hair and deep lines of cogitation, holding a spectacle-case.
Bleeding Heart Yard
Accompanies Arthur and Mr. Meagles into Bleeding Heart Yard; his factory is located at the gateway.
Nobody's Weakness
Meets Arthur on the road; walks with him to Twickenham; described as modest, sensible, and an ingenious inventor.
Nobody's Rival
Provides Clennam with a skeptical assessment of Gowan's artistic abilities.
Machinery in Motion
Agrees to let Clennam examine his business books and papers, but stipulates conditions to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
Nobody's State of Mind
Expresses concern about Henry Gowan's influence on the Meagles family; shares a candid conversation with Clennam about Gowan.
A Shoal of Barnacles
Declines the wedding invitation, preferring not to eat and drink with the Barnacles after their obstructive behavior.
The Dowager Mrs. Gowan Is Reminded That "It Never Does"
The elder partner, an ingenious inventor who perseveres despite the Circumlocution Office's obstruction; explains his invention to Clennam.
Who Passes by This Road So Late?
Departs for a journey, leaving Arthur to pursue the matter of the invention and the missing man.
Reaping the Whirlwind
Mentioned as Arthur's injured partner, whose reputation Arthur is determined to clear at all costs.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Daniel Doyce in xxii a puzzle

See Daniel Doyce in Containing the Whole Science of Government