William Dorrit

Little Dorrit

Little Dorrit is the devoted, self-sacrificing daughter of the proud and financially ruined William Dorrit.

Arthur Clennam

Arthur is a respectful acquaintance of William Dorrit, though he privately pities the man's pride and delusions.

Little Dorrit

Little Dorrit is the devoted, self-sacrificing daughter of the proud and financially ruined William Dorrit.

Little Dorrit

Little Dorrit is the devoted, self-sacrificing daughter of the proud and financially ruined William Dorrit.

Arthur Clennam

Arthur is a respectful acquaintance of William Dorrit, though he privately pities the man's pride and delusions.

Arthur Clennam

Arthur is a respectful acquaintance of William Dorrit, though he privately pities the man's pride and delusions.

Preface to the 1857 Edition

Referenced as the father who lived in the Marshalsea room where Little Dorrit was born.

Little Dorrit

The Father of the Marshalsea, long-term inmate who has grown accustomed to his position within the prison.

Book I: Poverty

The 'Father of the Marshalsea,' long imprisoned for debt, maintaining a fragile dignity.

The Father of the Marshalsea

Introduced as a debtor entering the Marshalsea; becomes the Father of the Marshalsea over twenty years.

The Child of the Marshalsea

The Father of the Marshalsea, imprisoned for debt; his daughter Amy must loosen her clasp of his hand at the prison door, as his feet must never cross that line.

VIII: The Lock

The Father of the Marshalsea, receives a testimonial from a visitor and interacts with Arthur.

Little Dorrit's Party

Little Dorrit fears Clennam will see his 'moments of degradation' and pleads with Clennam not to encourage his borrowing.

Little Dorrit's Lover

The Father of the Marshalsea, who accepts cigars and attentions from Young John and his father, gratified by their respect, though Little Dorrit is pained by his behavior.

The Father of the Marshalsea in Two or Three Relations

Walks with his brother Frederick in the Marshalsea yard, displaying courtly condescension; later expresses unease about Mr. Chivery's behavior and receives Little Dorrit's devoted care.

A Puzzle

Disappointed in Clennam for not supporting the Testimonial; writes to Clennam requesting money.

Spirit

Acts as the gracious 'Father of the Marshalsea,' condescendingly commenting on Old Nandy's infirmities, then later expresses deep humiliation at his daughter's association with a pauper.

More Fortune-Telling

Mentioned as being in the chair at the Collegians' gathering, making speeches while unaware of the impending discovery.

What Was Behind Mr. Pancks on Little Dorrit's Hand

Learns of his inheritance, becomes agitated and proud, plans to reward others, and struggles to compose himself.

The Marshalsea Becomes an Orphan

The Father of the Marshalsea prepares to leave the prison forever, dispensing donations and hosting a farewell feast, but breaks down in tears when toasted.

Book II: Riches

Now released from the Marshalsea, William Dorrit embraces his role as a wealthy gentleman, though his past imprisonment continues to shape his behavior and anxieties.

Fellow Travellers

The grey-haired gentleman who dozes by the fire and converses with Blandois.

Mrs. General

Recently succeeded to his property, Mr. Dorrit seeks a lady to complete his daughters' education and act as their matron. He hires Mrs. General after consulting his bankers.

On the Road

Defends the family's exalted position, lectures Little Dorrit on propriety, and becomes enraged when he feels his dignity is insulted by an innkeeper.

Something Wrong Somewhere

Anxious about family dignity, seeks Mrs. General's advice on Amy's behavior, and approves Amy's visit to the Gowans based on their Merdle connection.

Something Right Somewhere

Mr. Dorrit patronizingly considers commissioning a portrait from Henry Gowan, displaying his new wealth and social pretensions.

Mostly, Prunes and Prism

Eagerly seeks an introduction to Mr. Merdle, hoping to benefit from his financial advice; is excessively polite to Mrs. General, prompting Fanny's suspicions.

Taking Advice

Mentioned by Fanny as being gentlemanly but slightly different due to his past imprisonment.

No Just Cause or Impediment Why These Two Persons Should Not Be Joined Together

Receives Fanny's engagement news with pride and dignity, engages in correspondence with Mr. Merdle, and presides over the wedding celebrations.

Getting On

Basks in the glory of his connection to Mr. Merdle, enjoying the social and financial advantages, but is troubled by the Chief Butler's penetrating stare.

Missing

Mr. Dorrit is visited by Flora Finching and later goes to the Clennam house to inquire about Blandois's disappearance.

XVIII: A Castle in the Air

Struggles with his past as the Father of the Marshalsea, oscillates between rage and shame when confronted by Young John Chivery, and indulges in fantasies of wealth and status.

The Storming of the Castle in the Air

Returns to Rome late at night, weary and anxious; flatters Mrs. General and hints at marriage; shows jealousy and dependence on Little Dorrit.