Martin Chuzzlewit · Character

Martin Chuzzlewit

The proud young namesake of a suspicious old miser, sent into the world to learn what his grandfather's money cannot teach him.

major

Also known as Martin, Mr. Chuzzlewit, young Martin, old Martin Chuzzlewit, Chuzzlewit, Mr. Martin Chuzzlewit

First appearance: i

As a major figure in Martin Chuzzlewit, Martin Chuzzlewit is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Young Martin arrives as Pecksniff's pupil, setting up his central role in the story.

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Young Martin arrives at Pecksniff's door as a pupil, already convinced of his own superiority and already entangled in his grandfather's watchful displeasure. His courtship of Mary Graham, the old man's companion, collides with the family's schemes for the Chuzzlewit inheritance. His early arrogance is the flaw the whole book exists to grind down, and his grandfather's feigned sleep behind the Blue Dragon door keeps the stakes personal.

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Character Web

41 connections

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Relationship types

Friendship
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Protagonist
Extended Cast and Servants
Central Chuzzlewit Circle

+36 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

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Dickens public…

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Relationships

Tom Pinch
friendship · positive
Martin and Tom share a genuine, warm friendship built on mutual respect and kindness. How this plays out →
Seth Pecksniff
rivalry · negative
Mark Tapley
friendship · positive
John Westlock
friendship · positive
Tom Pinch
friendship · positive
Martin and Tom share a genuine, warm friendship built on mutual respect and kindness. How this plays out →
Mark Tapley
friendship · positive
Seth Pecksniff
rivalry · negative
Seth Pecksniff
rivalry · negative
Tom Pinch
friendship · positive
Martin and Tom share a genuine, warm friendship built on mutual respect and kindness. How this plays out →
John Westlock
friendship · positive
Mark Tapley
friendship · positive
John Westlock
friendship · positive

Tom Pinch
Martin and Tom share a genuine, warm friendship built on mutual respect and kindness.
Seth Pecksniff
Martin despises Pecksniff for his hypocrisy and manipulation, especially regarding the family fortune.
Mark Tapley
Mark is Martin's cheerful and devoted companion, providing unwavering loyalty and comic relief.
John Westlock
John and Martin are old friends, with John providing practical support and counsel to Martin.
Tom Pinch
Martin and Tom share a genuine, warm friendship built on mutual respect and kindness.
Mark Tapley
Mark is Martin's cheerful and devoted companion, providing unwavering loyalty and comic relief.
Seth Pecksniff
Martin despises Pecksniff for his hypocrisy and manipulation, especially regarding the family fortune.
Seth Pecksniff
Martin despises Pecksniff for his hypocrisy and manipulation, especially regarding the family fortune.
Tom Pinch
Martin and Tom share a genuine, warm friendship built on mutual respect and kindness.
John Westlock
John and Martin are old friends, with John providing practical support and counsel to Martin.
Mark Tapley
Mark is Martin's cheerful and devoted companion, providing unwavering loyalty and comic relief.
John Westlock
John and Martin are old friends, with John providing practical support and counsel to Martin.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Martin Chuzzlewit appears across 37 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Martin Chuzzlewit
Young Martin arrives as Pecksniff's pupil, setting up his central role in the story.
Martin Chuzzlewit
The wealthy patriarch whose distrust of his family drives much of the plot.
Chapter III
Lying ill in bed at the Blue Dragon, he expresses bitter distrust of relatives and money, and engages in a tense conversation with Pecksniff.
IV
Old Martin remains shut in his room at the Blue Dragon, feigning sleep when Mrs. Lupin enters, but talking freely with his young companion (Mary Graham).
Chapter V
Arrives as Pecksniff's new pupil; meets Tom Pinch at the inn and they immediately get along well.
Chapter VI
Young Martin reveals his disinheritance, his love for Mary Graham, and his critical view of his grandfather's selfishness and obstinacy.
VII
Begins work at the grammar school, whistles while drawing, and predicts lasting friendship with Tom.
Containing Strange Matter
Old Martin visits Pecksniff, expressing regret for past harsh words and confiding in him as an ally. He reveals young Martin's secret engagement and demands his expulsion.
Containing Strange Matter
Young Martin is discussed as having secretly chosen a bride, leading to Pecksniff's condemnation and old Martin's demand that he leave Pecksniff's house.
XII
Resolves to go to America after renouncing Pecksniff; shows condescension toward Tom but genuine affection.
Chapter XIII
Leaves Pecksniff's house in a rage, walks to London, discovers Tom's gift, meets Mark Tapley, and plans to go to America.
Chapter XIII
Reported by Mark Tapley to be in London with Mary Graham.
XIV
Bids farewell to Mary, plans to go to America, and entrusts her to Tom Pinch's care.
Chapter XV
Lies in his berth, seasick and ashamed of his steerage status, refusing to go on deck to avoid being seen as poverty-stricken.
Chapter XVI
Martin is dismayed by the corruption and hypocrisy he encounters in America, and engages in a frank conversation with a new American friend.
Chapter XVII
Martin enlarges his acquaintance, meets the Norris family, and reflects on American society.
XXI
Anxious about the Eden speculation, questions Mark about prospects, and decides to consult the agent.
XXII
Becomes the lion of Watertoast after buying land in Eden; reluctantly hosts a reception and meets Mrs. Hominy.
XXIII
Arrives at Eden and is overwhelmed by despair, weeping and expressing a sense of doom.
Chapter XXIV
Old Martin misjudges Tom as a sycophant and questions Mercy about her engagement to Jonas.
Mr. Pecksniff's Design
Shows signs of mental and physical decline; is manipulated by Pecksniff.
XXXI
Old Martin is present in the parlour when Pecksniff reports Tom's supposed treachery. He is disturbed and alarmed by the news.
XXXIII
Lies ill in bed, feverish and irritated, expressing his dislike of America to Chollop.
XXXIV
Engages in a debate with Elijah Pogram about American social manners and institutions; returns from Eden and faces criticism from Captain Kedgick; sails back to England.
XXXV
Returns to England with Mark, witnesses Pecksniff's theft of his design, and struggles with rage.
XXXIX
Martin is abroad and has not been heard from for a long time, having gone with Mark Tapley.
Chapter XLIII
Returns from America, humbled and seeking reconciliation with his grandfather.
Chapter XLIII
Visibly aged and broken, he hides his face in tears upon seeing Martin, but remains under Pecksniff's influence.
Chapter XLIV
Mentioned as an elderly inmate of Pecksniff's house, whom Montague is curious about.
XLVIII
Returns to England, recounts his hardships, and seeks advice from Tom Pinch and John Westlock.
XLIX
Present with John Westlock, he fills Mrs. Gamp's glass and observes the unfolding drama.
L
Confronts Tom with accusations of treachery, expressing deep regret and grief over the loss of their friendship.
Chapter LI
Listens to Chuffey's revelation and offers to take him away from the house.
In which the tables are turned, completely upside down
Resolved to execute his scheme against Pecksniff; refuses to see his grandson until the next day; confronts and banishes Pecksniff.
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.
Acts as a father figure, presenting Ruth with jewels and orchestrating the day's events.
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.
Present at the dinner, he supports old Martin's wishes and shares in the general joy.
LIV
Arrives at Todgers's to offer Mercy a new life and takes her away, later joyfully reuniting with the American neighbours.

Chapter companion notes

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