# John Westlock — Martin Chuzzlewit character guide > John Westlock in Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Mr. Westlock, Westlock, John, young Westlock, Mr. John Westlock, dear John **First appearance:** 0003-i ## Snapshot A former Pecksniff pupil who saw through the old hypocrite early, and whose blunt good sense becomes Tom Pinch's lifeline. ## Who they are Westlock left Pecksniff's establishment with his eyes open and his contempt intact, and he returns as the friend Tom Pinch never had the nerve to seek. Shrewd, warm, and unimpressed by cant, he becomes the practical ally Tom leans on when the household finally cracks. He matters because his clear-sighted friendship offers Tom a way out of Pecksniff's orbit and gives the novel one honest man who was never fooled. ## Relationships ### [Tom Pinch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/characters/tom_pinch) _friendship_ John is a loyal and supportive friend to Tom, often helping him escape Pecksniff's influence. ### [Martin Chuzzlewit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/characters/martin_chuzzlewit) _friendship_ John and Martin are old friends, with John providing practical support and counsel to Martin. ### [Tom Pinch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/characters/tom_pinch) _friendship_ John is a loyal and supportive friend to Tom, often helping him escape Pecksniff's influence. ### [Tom Pinch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/characters/tom_pinch) _friendship_ John is a loyal and supportive friend to Tom, often helping him escape Pecksniff's influence. ### [Martin Chuzzlewit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/characters/martin_chuzzlewit) _friendship_ John and Martin are old friends, with John providing practical support and counsel to Martin. ### [Martin Chuzzlewit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/characters/martin_chuzzlewit) _friendship_ John and Martin are old friends, with John providing practical support and counsel to Martin. ## In the story ### [Martin Chuzzlewit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/martin-chuzzlewit) A former pupil of Pecksniff who leaves in frustration, highlighting Pecksniff's deceit. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/ii) Leaves Pecksniff's house for good, exposing Pecksniff's hypocrisy and warning Tom about his master's true nature. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/xii) Discusses Pecksniff's character with Martin, calling him a consummate scoundrel, and expresses regret about his time as a pupil. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/xxv) Attends to a sick gentleman at an inn, arranges payment for care, and meets Mrs. Gamp. ### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/xxix) Helps Lewsome into the coach and questions Mrs. Gamp about his mental state. ### [Tom Pinch departs to seek his fortune. What he finds at starting.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/xxxvi) Tom's old friend; meets Tom and Ruth in London, helps them find lodgings, and offers companionship. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/xxxix) John is a friend of Tom's who shows great interest in Mercy Pecksniff's fortunes and will visit to advise Tom on employment. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/xl) John reassures Tom that Mr. Pecksniff is incapable of a generous action, dismissing Tom's suspicion that Pecksniff might be behind his employment. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/xlv) John hosts Tom and Ruth for dinner, shows deep interest in Tom's story, and hints at dark secrets. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/xlviii) Hosts Martin and Lewsome, mediates the revelation about Jonas, and reconciles with Martin. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/xlix) Consoles Mrs. Gamp and subtly steers the conversation to secure her cooperation regarding Mr. Chuffey. ### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/l) Mentioned as having advised Tom not to tell Ruth about Lewsome's story to avoid upsetting her. ### [In which the tables are turned, completely upside down](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/lii) Summoned by old Martin immediately upon his arrival; assists in the proceedings; asked to return in the morning. ### [What John Westlock said to Tom Pinch's sister; what Tom Pinch's sister said to John Westlock; what Tom Pinch said to both of them; and how they all passed the remainder of the day.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/liii) Engaged to Ruth Pinch, he walks with her through London and shares in the day's happiness. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/characters/john_westlock - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/characters