# Vincent Crummles — Nicholas Nickleby character guide

> Vincent Crummles in Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0022-xx

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [Nicholas, accompanied by Smike, sallies forth to seek his fortune. He encounters Mr. Vincent Crummles; and who he was, is herein made manifest.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xxii)

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xxiii)

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.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xxiv)

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.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xxv)

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.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xxix)

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xxx)

Attempts to persuade Nicholas to stay for multiple farewell performances, but ultimately accepts his departure.

### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xlviii)

The subject of the farewell supper; shows genuine emotion when parting with Nicholas, dropping his theatrical manner.

## Links

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