Martin Chuzzlewit · Character

Old Martin Chuzzlewit

The wealthy, watchful Chuzzlewit patriarch who shuts himself away and tests his relatives' loyalty, feigning sleep whenever a flatterer comes near his door.

supporting

Also known as Martin, old Martin, Old Martin, Martin Chuzzlewit the elder

First appearance: i

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

The wealthy patriarch whose distrust of his family drives much of the plot.

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Old Martin Chuzzlewit holds the family fortune and the family's attention, withdrawing into his sickroom at the Blue Dragon while his relations circle and scheme. He speaks freely only to his young companion, and his pretended slumber whenever Mrs. Lupin enters is a small, deliberate act of surveillance. His suspicion of everyone who professes affection is the engine that drives the inheritance plot, and his eventual judgments will decide which Chuzzlewits deserve what they are angling for.

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Character Web

13 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended Cast and Servants
Central Chuzzlewit Circle

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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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In the story

Old Martin Chuzzlewit appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

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).
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.
Chapter XIII
Reported by Mark Tapley to be in London with Mary Graham.
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.
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.
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.
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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