Preface to the First Cheap Edition
Dickens remarks that Nicholas is not always intended to be blameless, as he is a young man of impetuous temper and little experience, deliberately kept within nature.
Nicholas Nickleby
Introduced as the eldest son of the deceased Nicholas Nickleby, a young man of promise left to support his mother and sister.
I
Younger son of Godfrey Nickleby; inherits the farm and marries, fathering Nicholas and Kate.
Mr. Ralph Nickleby receives sad tidings of his brother, but bears up nobly against the intelligence communicated to him. The reader is informed how he liked Nicholas, who is herein introduced, and how kindly he proposed to make his fortune at once.
Introduced as a proud, intelligent young man; clashes with Ralph over his father's memory and his own future; accepts the position at Dotheboys Hall.
Chapter IV
Accepts the position of first assistant master at Dotheboys Hall, feeling grateful to his uncle Ralph.
Nicholas starts for Yorkshire. Of his leave-taking and his fellow-travellers, and what befell them on the road.
Leaves home reluctantly, exchanges farewells with Miss La Creevy, and joins Squeers for the journey to Yorkshire.
Chapter VI
Accompanies Mr. Squeers on the coach journey, blushing with shame as Squeers hands out advertising cards.
Mr. and Mrs. Squeers at Home
Arrives at Dotheboys Hall, feels deep depression but resolves to bear his hardships for his family's sake.
Of the internal economy of Dotheboys Hall
Wakes to the grim reality of Dotheboys Hall; resolves to stay despite his disgust, hoping to do some good, but fears for his sister Kate.
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
Nicholas is discussed by the Squeers family, who view him as proud and haughty. He later joins the family for tea, where he tries to be amiable despite his misery, and nearly comes to blows with John Browdie.
Chapter XII
Endures indignities and mistreatment at Dotheboys Hall; feels guilt over Smike's suffering; denies romantic interest in Fanny Squeers.
XIII
Awakens to Smike's absence, confronts Squeers, thrashes him in defense of Smike, and flees Dotheboys Hall.
XV
Arrives at Newman's lodging footsore and exhausted; insists on hearing the news from Yorkshire; reaffirms his lack of regret for thrashing Squeers.
XVI
Seeks employment, visits the General Agency Office, applies to Mr. Gregsbury, and accepts a tutoring offer from the Kenwigs family.
Chapter XX
Returns home, defends his actions against Ralph's accusations, and decides to leave London.
Nicholas, accompanied by Smike, sallies forth to seek his fortune. He encounters Mr. Vincent Crummles; and who he was, is herein made manifest.
Leaves London with Smike to seek his fortune, feeling both hope and anxiety about the future.
Treats of the company of Mr. Vincent Crummles, and of his affairs, domestic and theatrical
Travels with the Crummles troupe, meets the company, and is tasked with translating a French play.
Of the great bespeak for Miss Snevellicci, and the first appearance of Nicholas upon any stage.
Rises early, discusses his play with actors, accompanies Miss Snevellicci on subscription calls, and watches the performance.
Concerning a young lady from London, who joins the company, and an elderly admirer who follows in her train; with an affecting ceremony consequent on their arrival.
Receives praise and payment for his acting; is taken into confidence by Mr. Lillyvick about his marriage; patiently coaches Smike in his role.
Of the proceedings of Nicholas, and certain internal divisions in the company of Mr. Vincent Crummles.
Continues his acting success, repays debts, sends money to Kate via Newman, and handles Lenville's challenge with composure.
Nicholas Takes His Leave of the Theatre
Decides to leave the theatre troupe and return to London after receiving a letter from Newman Noggs.
XXXII
Arrives in London, confronts Sir Mulberry Hawk after overhearing insults about his sister, and is injured in the ensuing struggle.
In which Mr. Ralph Nickleby is relieved, by a very expeditious process, from all commerce with his relations.
Returns bruised and determined after his fight with Sir Mulberry Hawk; arranges for his mother and sister to leave immediately and sends a renunciatory letter to Ralph.
Smike becomes known to Mrs. Nickleby and Kate. Nicholas also meets with new acquaintances. Brighter days seem to dawn upon the family.
Brings Smike to meet his family and contemplates his future, deciding to try the Register Office again.
Chapter XXXVI
Delivers the message from Mr. Lillyvick about his marriage to Henrietta Petowker, causing the family uproar; later helps escort Mr. Kenwigs to bed.
XXXVII
Returns home late from the Cheeryble banquet and learns of his mother's secret admirer.
XL
Contemplates punishing Squeers; listens to Tim's story; reluctantly participates in the secret meeting and flees when Mr. Bobster returns.
Containing some romantic passages between Mrs. Nickleby and the gentleman in the small-clothes next door.
Mentioned as having vilified the neighbor; his absence leaves Mrs. Nickleby free to indulge the neighbor's advances.
XLII
Visits the Browdies and is warmly greeted; remains composed during the Squeers' confrontation.
Chapter XLIII
Meets Frank Cheeryble and feels both friendship and jealousy regarding the mysterious young lady.
XLV
Defends Smike against Squeers and Snawley, refusing to hand him over despite threats.
Throws some light upon Nicholas's Love; but whether for good or evil the reader must determine
Confides in Mr. Cheeryble about Smike, visits Madeline Bray, and agrees to help her discreetly.
XLVIII
Returns to the countinghouse in a pensive state after visiting Madeline Bray, struggles with his secret feelings, and later attends Crummles' farewell supper.
Chapter XLIX
Absorbed in thoughts of Madeline Bray and executing brother Charles's commissions; anxious about Smike's health.
Chapter L
Referenced as the target of Sir Mulberry's vengeance, though not physically present in the chapter.
Chapter LI
Learns of the plot from Newman Noggs and rushes out in a rage, threatening violence.
LII
Desperate to save Madeline Bray from a forced marriage, he resolves to speak with her directly despite the odds.
LIII
Desperate and determined to save Madeline, he confronts Arthur Gride and pleads with Madeline to reconsider.
The Crisis of the Project and Its Result
Referenced as the young man who confronted Gride to intimidate him from the marriage.
LV
Returns with Madeline; praised by the Cheeryble brothers; responds lightly to his mother's probing about Frank Cheeryble.
LVI
Mentioned as the object of Ralph's hatred; Nicholas has thwarted Ralph's plans and is set to marry Madeline Bray.
LVIII
Devotedly cares for Smike, revisits childhood memories, and promises to honor Smike's final wishes.
LXI
Returns home after Smike's death, comforts Kate, and resolves to confess his feelings for Madeline to the Cheeryble brothers.
Ralph Makes One Last Appointment—and Keeps It
Nicholas is the object of Ralph's hatred for having rescued and loved Smike, and for triumphing over Ralph's schemes.
Chapter LXIII
Attends the dinner with his family, learns of Madeline's inheritance, and is reconciled with Frank.
An Old Acquaintance is Recognised Under Melancholy Circumstances, and Dotheboys Hall Breaks Up Forever
Travels to Yorkshire to visit John Browdie, shares his good fortune, and encounters Mr. Mantalini.
Conclusion
Marries Madeline Bray and becomes a wealthy merchant, investing in Cheeryble Brothers and buying his father's old house.
