# Mr. Grimwig — Oliver Twist character guide

> Mr. Grimwig in Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Grimwig

**First appearance:** 0013-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

## Snapshot

A crusty, snuff-taking old bachelor who threatens to eat his own head, growls at everyone, and quietly kisses the girls he likes.

## Who they are

Mr. Grimwig is Mr. Brownlow's perpetual sparring partner, forever predicting the worst of human nature while his friend insists on the best. He declares he will eat his own head if Oliver proves honest, and his bristling skepticism serves as a comic counterweight to Brownlow's easy trust. Yet when Rose finishes her account of Oliver's sufferings, he limps a dozen turns around the room and kisses her without preface — proving the gruff exterior hides a heart as warm as the one he pretends to doubt.

## In the story

### [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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/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)

A skeptical friend of Mr. Brownlow who predicts Oliver will not return, betting he will eat his head if the boy comes back.

### [Oliver’s Destiny Continuing Unpropitious, Brings a Great Man to London to Injure His Reputation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xvii-oliver-s-destiny-continuing-unpropitious-brings-a-great-man-to-london-to-injure-his-reputation)

Present with Mr. Brownlow, he sarcastically comments on the beadle and Oliver's character.

### [XLI: Containing Fresh Discoveries, and Showing That Surprises, Like Misfortunes, Seldom Come Alone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xli-containing-fresh-discoveries-and-showing-that-surprises-like-misfortunes-seldom-come-alone)

Mr. Grimwig engages in his usual banter with Mr. Brownlow, eventually showing warmth by kissing Rose and welcoming Oliver.

### [Affording an Explanation of More Mysteries Than One, and Comprehending a Proposal of Marriage with No Word of Settlement or Pin-Money](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/li-affording-an-explanation-of-more-mysteries-than-one-and-comprehending-a-proposal-of-marriage-with-no-word-of-settlement-or-pin-money)

Receives the party at the hotel, acting kindly and without his usual contradictions.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/characters/mr_grimwig
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/characters