# Charles Cheeryble — Nicholas Nickleby character guide

> Charles Cheeryble in Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Charles, brother Charles, Charles, Mr. Charles Cheeryble

**First appearance:** 0037-xxxv

## Snapshot

A prosperous, soft-hearted merchant whose private room becomes a stage for restoring fortunes, uniting young lovers, and quietly undoing old frauds.

## Who they are

Charles Cheeryble belongs to the benevolent twin partnership that plucks Nicholas from poverty and plants him in a counting-house where kindness is policy. Where his brother Ned bubbles and blurts, Charles presides with a gentle, almost priestly gravity, unfolding wills and arranging reconciliations as if Providence kept a desk in his office. His faith in young people's honor — and his willingness to spend his own money proving it — gives the novel its moral center and its fondest hope that goodness can be practical.

## In the story

### [Preface to the First Edition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/preface-to-the-first-edition)

Mentioned as one of the Brothers Cheeryble, drawn from real-life benevolent individuals known for their charity.

### [Preface to the First Cheap Edition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/preface-to-the-first-cheap-edition)

Dickens reveals that the Brothers Cheeryble were drawn from real life, noting their liberal charity and unbounded benevolence, and that they were still living at the time of writing.

### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xxxvii)

One of the brothers who hosts the birthday banquet and shows generosity toward Nicholas.

### [Throws some light upon Nicholas's Love; but whether for good or evil the reader must determine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xlvi)

Listens to Nicholas's story, defends his actions, and reveals Ralph's visit and the plan to aid Madeline.

### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/lv)

Praises Nicholas for his role; Mrs. Nickleby claims he 'as good as' said the family's fortunes are made.

### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/lix)

Visits Ralph on an errand of mercy, attempting to reason with him; later presents the evidence of the conspiracy.

### [Ralph Makes One Last Appointment—and Keeps It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/lxii)

The Cheeryble brothers send a message to Ralph inquiring about detaining a man, showing their continued involvement.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/characters/charles_cheeryble
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/characters