Oliver Twist · Character

Mr. Brownlow

A kindly, impulsive old gentleman who takes Oliver into his home on nothing more than a resemblance, and later makes the rescue legal and permanent.

major

Also known as Brownlow, the indignant Mr. Brownlow

First appearance: xi treats of mr fang the police magistrate and furnishes a slight specimen of his mode of administering justice

As a major figure in Oliver Twist, Mr. Brownlow is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

See Mr. Brownlow in xi treats of mr fang the police magistrate and furnishes a slight specimen of his mode of administering justice Book page

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Brownlow first appears as the victim of a pickpocketing and ends as the boy's adoptive father, a man whose benevolence is as quick as his temper. He is surrounded by friends like the contrary Mr. Grimwig, whose gloomy predictions he cheerfully endures, and his household is the first place Oliver is treated as a child rather than a case. His belief in Oliver's honesty gives the novel its moral center of gravity, and his search for the boy's history drives the mystery forward.

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See Mr. Brownlow in xi treats of mr fang the police magistrate and furnishes a slight specimen of his mode of administering justice

Character Web

20 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Fagin's criminal gang
Protagonist
Supporting characters from Oliver's past and resolution
Workhouse and parish officials

+15 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the dramatic climax occurs when Rose Maylie, previously depicted as cheerful and in high spir…

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Relationships

Oliver Twist
family · positive
Oliver Twist
family · positive
Oliver Twist
family · positive

Relationship notes

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See Mr. Brownlow in xi treats of mr fang the police magistrate and furnishes a slight specimen of his mode of administering justice

In the story

Mr. Brownlow appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Oliver Becomes Better Acquainted with the Characters of His New Associates; and Purchases Experience at a High Price. Being a Short, but Very Important Chapter, in This History
Mr. Brownlow is the respectable old gentleman reading at the bookstall whose handkerchief is stolen. He pursues Oliver and shows compassion when Oliver is caught.
XII: In Which Oliver Is Taken Better Care of Than He Ever Was Before. And in Which the Narrative Reverts to the Merry Old Gentleman and His Youthful Friends
Mr. Brownlow has taken Oliver into his home and tends to him. He is puzzled by Oliver's denial of the name 'White' and is struck by the resemblance between Oliver and a portrait.
XIV: Comprising Further Particulars of Oliver’s Stay at Mr. Brownlow’s, with the Remarkable Prediction Which One Mr. Grimwig Uttered Concerning Him, When He Went Out on an Errand
Caring for Oliver, removing the portrait to avoid upsetting him, and trusting Oliver with an errand despite Grimwig's doubts.
XV: Showing How Very Fond of Oliver Twist the Merry Old Jew and Miss Nancy Were
Mentioned indirectly: the two old gentlemen (Brownlow and Grimwig) sit in the dark parlour with the watch between them, waiting for Oliver's return.
Oliver’s Destiny Continuing Unpropitious, Brings a Great Man to London to Injure His Reputation
Listens to Mr. Bumble's false story and reluctantly believes Oliver is an imposter.
Of the Happy Life Oliver Began to Lead with His Kind Friends
Has sold his goods and gone to the West Indies, leaving Oliver devastated.
XLI: Containing Fresh Discoveries, and Showing That Surprises, Like Misfortunes, Seldom Come Alone
Mr. Brownlow is reunited with Oliver, hears Rose's account of Nancy's story, and advocates for a careful strategy to uncover Oliver's parentage and inheritance.
XLVI: The Appointment Kept
Accompanies Rose Maylie to the meeting, takes notes on Nancy's description of Monks, and recognizes the mark on Monks' throat.
Monks and Mr. Brownlow at Length Meet. Their Conversation, and the Intelligence That Interrupts It
Confronts Monks with the truth about Oliver's parentage and Monks' schemes.
Affording an Explanation of More Mysteries Than One, and Comprehending a Proposal of Marriage with No Word of Settlement or Pin-Money
Leads the revelation of Oliver's origins, presenting the signed declarations and the story of Edwin Leeford.
Fagin's Last Night Alive
Mr. Brownlow accompanies Oliver to the prison to retrieve papers from Fagin, acting with solemn purpose and concern for Oliver's well-being.
LIII: And Last
Adopts Oliver and moves near the parsonage.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Brownlow in xi treats of mr fang the police magistrate and furnishes a slight specimen of his mode of administering justice