Nicholas Nickleby · Character

Vincent Crummles

The portly, snuff-taking manager of a threadbare Portsmouth theatre, presiding over a family troupe with solemn pride and cheerful absurdity.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Vincent Crummles, Mr. Crummles, Master Crummles, Crummles

First appearance: xx

As a supporting figure in Nicholas Nickleby, Vincent Crummles is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Theatrical manager who meets Nicholas and Smike; is impressed by Smike's gaunt appearance and offers Nicholas a position in his troupe.

In the storyNicholas, accompanied by Smike, sallies forth to seek his fortune. He encounters Mr. Vincent Crummles; and who he was, is herein made manifest.Open this moment free

See Vincent Crummles in Nicholas, accompanied by Smike, sallies forth to seek his fortune. He encounters Mr. Vincent Crummles; and who he was, is herein made manifest.Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Vincent Crummles runs the Portsmouth Theatre as a family business, with his wife, children, and a small corps of actors performing melodramas to sparse and unglamorous houses. He is pompous, good-natured, and utterly sincere about his art, and he offers Nicholas work and shelter when the young man has nowhere else to turn. His troupe gives the novel its comic heart and a strange, shabby dignity that contrasts sharply with the cruelties of Ralph Nickleby's London.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Vincent Crummles sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Vincent Crummles in xx

Character Web

18 connections

A slice of how Vincent Crummles sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended cast of actors, students, and townsfolk
Cheeryble circle and allies
Sir Mulberry's social circle
Protagonist

+13 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative 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 reading

In the story

Vincent Crummles appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Nicholas, accompanied by Smike, sallies forth to seek his fortune. He encounters Mr. Vincent Crummles; and who he was, is herein made manifest.
Theatrical manager who meets Nicholas and Smike; is impressed by Smike's gaunt appearance and offers Nicholas a position in his troupe.
Treats of the company of Mr. Vincent Crummles, and of his affairs, domestic and theatrical
Manager of the theatre; travels with Nicholas, introduces him to the company, and assigns him the translation work.
Of the great bespeak for Miss Snevellicci, and the first appearance of Nicholas upon any stage.
Manager who discusses staging Nicholas's play on Miss Snevellicci's bespeak night.
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.
Announces the arrival of Miss Petowker; praises his wife's past talents; hosts the wedding celebration.
Of the proceedings of Nicholas, and certain internal divisions in the company of Mr. Vincent Crummles.
Prolongs the troupe's stay in Portsmouth due to Nicholas's success; is informed of Nicholas's possible departure.
Nicholas Takes His Leave of the Theatre
Attempts to persuade Nicholas to stay for multiple farewell performances, but ultimately accepts his departure.
XLVIII
The subject of the farewell supper; shows genuine emotion when parting with Nicholas, dropping his theatrical manner.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Vincent Crummles unlock in the free preview.

See Vincent Crummles in xx

See Vincent Crummles in Nicholas, accompanied by Smike, sallies forth to seek his fortune. He encounters Mr. Vincent Crummles; and who he was, is herein made manifest.