Nicholas Nickleby · Character
Sir Mulberry Hawk
A polished, predatory aristocrat who treats other people's dignity as a toy, and Kate Nickleby's beauty as a prize to be hunted down.
supporting
Also known as Sir Mulberry, Hawk, Mulberry, the detested Sir Mulberry
First appearance: xvii
As a supporting figure in Nicholas Nickleby, Sir Mulberry Hawk is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
One of Ralph's guests, behaves with coarse familiarity toward Kate, leading her downstairs and making lewd jokes.
Sir Mulberry Hawk moves through fashionable London as a man of rank, wit, and no scruples, schooling the foolish Lord Verisopht in the arts of pursuit and self-indulgence. He is the cold eye and the cruel appetite behind the nobleman's clumsy advances, and he treats Kate's distress as sport rather than warning. His presence turns the city into a place of traps for the Nicklebys, giving the novel one of its sharpest portraits of aristocratic predation.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
52 connectionsA slice of how Sir Mulberry Hawk sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Cheeryble circle and allies
- Gride's household and Yorkshire friends
- Extended cast of actors, students, and townsfolk
- Protagonist
+47 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this scene, the emotional peak is the rare, unguarded happiness of the group, particularly John Browdie’s e…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Nicholas Nickleby
rivalry · negative
Nicholas fiercely opposes Sir Mulberry Hawk's predatory pursuit of his sister Kate. How this plays out →
- Ralph Nickleby
social · negative
- Wackford Squeers
social · negative
- Nicholas Nickleby
rivalry · negative
Nicholas fiercely opposes Sir Mulberry Hawk's predatory pursuit of his sister Kate. How this plays out →
- Ralph Nickleby
social · negative
- Wackford Squeers
social · negative
- Nicholas Nickleby
rivalry · negative
Nicholas fiercely opposes Sir Mulberry Hawk's predatory pursuit of his sister Kate. How this plays out →
- Ralph Nickleby
social · negative
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Sir Mulberry Hawk in xviiIn the story
Sir Mulberry Hawk appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- Descriptive of a Dinner at Mr. Ralph Nickleby's, and of the manner in which the company entertained themselves, before dinner, at dinner, and after dinner
- Chapter XXVI
- Mrs. Nickleby Becomes Acquainted with Messrs. Pyke and Pluck, Whose Affection and Interest Are Beyond All Bounds
- Miss Nickleby Appeals to Her Uncle for Protection
- XXXII
- XXXVIII
- Mr. Ralph Nickleby cuts an old acquaintance. It would also appear from the contents hereof, that a joke, even between husband and wife, may be sometimes carried too far.
- Chapter L
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Sir Mulberry Hawk unlock in the free preview.
See Sir Mulberry Hawk in xvii