# John Browdie — Nicholas Nickleby character guide

> John Browdie in Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** John, Mr. John Browdie, Mr. Browdie, honest John Browdie

**First appearance:** 0013-xi

## Snapshot

A bluff, warm-hearted Yorkshire farmer whose rough manners conceal a decency that repeatedly puts him on Nicholas's side.

## Who they are

Browdie is a local man with a loud laugh and a soft spot for anyone being treated unfairly, including the half-starved boys at Dotheboys Hall. He becomes one of the few allies Nicholas finds in Yorkshire, and his plain honesty contrasts sharply with the Squeerses' calculated cruelty. His friendship matters because it shows Nicholas that kindness can survive even in the bleakest corners of the story.

## Relationships

### [Nicholas Nickleby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/characters/nicholas_nickleby)

_friendship_

John Browdie becomes a hearty and loyal friend to Nicholas, aiding him against Squeers.

### [Wackford Squeers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/characters/wackford_squeers)

_rivalry_

John Browdie openly opposes and mocks Squeers, defending those he abuses.

### [Nicholas Nickleby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/characters/nicholas_nickleby)

_friendship_

John Browdie becomes a hearty and loyal friend to Nicholas, aiding him against Squeers.

### [Wackford Squeers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/characters/wackford_squeers)

_rivalry_

John Browdie openly opposes and mocks Squeers, defending those he abuses.

### [Nicholas Nickleby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/characters/nicholas_nickleby)

_friendship_

John Browdie becomes a hearty and loyal friend to Nicholas, aiding him against Squeers.

### [Wackford Squeers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/characters/wackford_squeers)

_rivalry_

John Browdie openly opposes and mocks Squeers, defending those he abuses.

## In the story

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

Dickens suggests that the jovial, ruddy-faced man he met in Yorkshire, who warned him against the schools, may have been a faint reflection of John Browdie.

### [Of Miss Squeers, Mrs. Squeers, Master Squeers, and Mr. Squeers; and of various matters and persons connected no less with the Squeerses than Nicholas Nickleby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/ix)

John Browdie, a corn-factor and suitor of Miss Price, engages in a tense exchange with Nicholas, making offensive remarks about the meager food. The conflict is defused by the women, and they shake hands.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xiii)

Meets Nicholas on the road after his escape; initially stern but reconciles and offers friendship.

### [Chapter XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xxxix)

Arrives in London with his wife and Fanny Squeers; feigns illness to rescue Smike from Squeers' captivity.

### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xlii)

Hosts Nicholas and defends his wife against Fanny Squeers' accusations; shows his hearty and protective nature.

### [Chapter XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xliii)

Present at the initial meeting with Frank Cheeryble, along with his wife.

### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xlv)

Joyful and merry at the tea party, declaring his happiness.

### [An Old Acquaintance is Recognised Under Melancholy Circumstances, and Dotheboys Hall Breaks Up Forever](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/lxiv)

Receives Nicholas warmly, rides to Dotheboys Hall, and witnesses the rebellion.

## Links

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