Martin Chuzzlewit · Character
Chuffey
An ancient, half-childlike clerk who has spent his life in Anthony Chuzzlewit's counting-house and clings to the family with helpless devotion.
supporting
Also known as Mr. Chuffey, poor old Chuffey, That dratted Chuffey, old Chuffey, Old Chuffey, Even poor old Chuffey, Poor Chuffey, Chuff, Mister Chuff, Mr. Chuff, Poor old Chuff
First appearance: xii
As a supporting figure in Martin Chuzzlewit, Chuffey is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Ancient clerk, largely silent and frozen, only animated by a word or touch from Anthony; soaks his bread mechanically in tea.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Chuffey is the doddering old clerk kept about the Chuzzlewit firm, mocked as 'dratted' and humoured like a pet, yet possessed of a memory that surfaces at strange and inconvenient moments. His loyalty to Anthony and to…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Chuffey sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Chuffey in xiiCharacter Web
43 connectionsA slice of how Chuffey sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Central Chuzzlewit Circle
- Extended Cast and Servants
- American Acquaintances
- Minor London Figures
+38 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Dickens public…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Jonas Chuzzlewit
psychological · negative
Chuffey is a broken, elderly clerk who is emotionally and mentally dominated by the cruel… How this plays out →
- Sarah Gamp
social · ambivalent
- Seth Pecksniff
social · ambivalent
- Jonas Chuzzlewit
psychological · negative
Chuffey is a broken, elderly clerk who is emotionally and mentally dominated by the cruel… How this plays out →
- Sarah Gamp
social · ambivalent
- Seth Pecksniff
social · ambivalent
- Jonas Chuzzlewit
psychological · negative
Chuffey is a broken, elderly clerk who is emotionally and mentally dominated by the cruel… How this plays out →
- Seth Pecksniff
social · ambivalent
- Sarah Gamp
social · ambivalent
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Chuffey in xiiIn the story
Chuffey appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Chuffey unlock in the free preview.
See Chuffey in xii