# Ned Cheeryble — Nicholas Nickleby character guide

> Ned Cheeryble in Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Ned, Brother Ned, brother Ned

**First appearance:** 0037-xxxv

## Snapshot

The warmer, noisier half of a philanthropic twin act, forever scolding the young for doubting that love beats money.

## Who they are

Ned Cheeryble shares his brother's fortune, his office, and his conviction that rescuing the deserving is simply good business. He is the more excitable of the pair, quick to forget his own assumed dignity and burst out at Frank for imagining the Cheerybles would ever marry anyone off for cash. His affectionate meddling in Nicholas's fortunes and Madeline's inheritance makes him the story's comic conscience — proof that generosity, in Dickens, need not be solemn to be sincere.

## 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)

Along with his brother Charles, Ned Cheeryble is confirmed as a real person whose noble nature and generosity were not fictional creations.

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

The other brother who joins in the celebration and kindness toward Nicholas.

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

Appears alongside brother Charles and Tim Linkinwater to present the case against Ralph.

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

Ned Cheeryble, along with his brother, sends a midnight inquiry to Ralph.

## Links

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