# Bella Wilfer — Our Mutual Friend character guide > Bella Wilfer in Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Miss Bella, Miss Wilfer, Bella Wilfer, little Bella **First appearance:** 0004-iv-the-r-wilfer-family ## Snapshot A proud, quick-witted beauty raised to expect a fortune, she is placed in the Boffins' household as a kind of moral experiment in money and worth. ## Who they are Bella Wilfer enters the story as a young woman whose father's disappointments have taught her to prize wealth and to distrust her own heart. Installed at the Boffins' as a favored dependent, she finds herself caught between the Secretary's quiet regard and Mr. Boffin's increasingly mercenary view of her as goods awaiting a bid. Her shame at being so appraised, and her growing tenderness toward the child and toward Rokesmith, set her on the novel's central path from calculation to genuine feeling. ## Relationships ### [Mr. Boffin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/mr_boffin) _family_ Bella becomes the Boffins' adopted daughter and later their beloved daughter-in-law, with Mr. Boffin acting as a surrogate father and benefactor. ### [John Rokesmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/john_rokesmith) _romantic_ Bella initially distrusts John Rokesmith but eventually falls deeply in love with him and marries him, unaware he is the heir to the Harmon fortune. ### [Reginald Wilfer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/reginald_wilfer) _family_ Bella is the cherished daughter of Reginald Wilfer, a kind but impoverished clerk who adores her despite her early vanity. ### [Eugene Wrayburn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/eugene_wrayburn) _social_ Bella and Eugene are acquaintances in high society, with Eugene occasionally teasing her and observing her transformation. ### [Mrs. Boffin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/mrs_boffin) _family_ Mrs. Boffin becomes a loving maternal figure to Bella, showering her with affection and guiding her moral growth. ### [Lizzie Hexam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/lizzie_hexam) _friendship_ Bella and Lizzie form a genuine, supportive friendship across class lines, with Bella admiring Lizzie's strength and integrity. ### [Fledgeby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/fledgeby) _social_ Bella finds Fledgeby repulsive and dishonest, and she avoids his advances with disdain and sharp wit. ### [Reginald Wilfer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/reginald_wilfer) _family_ Bella is the cherished daughter of Reginald Wilfer, a kind but impoverished clerk who adores her despite her early vanity. ### [John Rokesmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/john_rokesmith) _romantic_ Bella initially distrusts John Rokesmith but eventually falls deeply in love with him and marries him, unaware he is the heir to the Harmon fortune. ### [Eugene Wrayburn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/eugene_wrayburn) _social_ Bella and Eugene are acquaintances in high society, with Eugene occasionally teasing her and observing her transformation. ### [Mr. Boffin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/mr_boffin) _family_ Bella becomes the Boffins' adopted daughter and later their beloved daughter-in-law, with Mr. Boffin acting as a surrogate father and benefactor. ### [Lizzie Hexam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/lizzie_hexam) _friendship_ Bella and Lizzie form a genuine, supportive friendship across class lines, with Bella admiring Lizzie's strength and integrity. ## In the story ### [Book the First: The Cup and the Lip](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/book-the-first-the-cup-and-the-lip) Meets John Rokesmith, beginning a significant relationship. ### [The R. Wilfer Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/iv-the-r-wilfer-family) The daughter who mourns her lost chance at wealth, wears black as a 'kind of widow who never was married,' and complains about poverty. ### [Mr. and Mrs. Boffin in Consultation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ix-mr-and-mrs-boffin-in-consultation) Mentions of her being the 'disappointed girl' whom Mrs. Boffin wishes to help. She interacts with Mr. Rokesmith and is teased by her sister Lavinia after the Boffins' visit. ### [Minders and Reminders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xvi-minders-and-reminders) Shows indifference and haughtiness toward Rokesmith, but reveals ambition when he hints at the Boffins' generosity. ### [A Dismal Swamp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xvii-a-dismal-swamp) Becomes an inmate of the Boffin household for an indefinite period and is dressed beautifully. ### [Book the Second: Birds of a Feather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/book-the-second-birds-of-a-feather) Bella Wilfer is drawn into the Boffin household, her character developing amidst new social dynamics. ### [In Which an Innocent Elopement Occurs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/viii-in-which-an-innocent-elopement-occurs) Bella is adjusting to life in the Boffin mansion, feeling superior yet conflicted. She resents Rokesmith's attention but is also affected by his reproach, leading her to visit her family. ### [In Which the Orphan Makes His Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ix-in-which-the-orphan-makes-his-will) Present with Mrs. Boffin when Sloppy arrives; Johnny asks for a kiss for the 'boofer lady' (Bella). ### [A Successor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/x-a-successor) Expresses her feeling that the name Harmon has become endeared to her and should not be reused. ### [A Solo and a Duet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiii-a-solo-and-a-duet) Remains at home due to a headache; receives a visit from Mr. Rokesmith and comments on his pale appearance. ### [Strong of Purpose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiv-strong-of-purpose) Gifts her father a new suit; helps outfit Betty Higden; maintains a distant ease with Rokesmith. ### [Book the Third: A Long Lane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/book-the-third-a-long-lane) Bella is shown reflecting on her feelings for John Rokesmith and her changing attitudes towards wealth and marriage. ### [A Happy Return of the Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/iv-a-happy-return-of-the-day) Arrives in the Boffin chariot, insists on cooking, explores Rokesmith's room, and playfully teases her father during dinner. ### [The Golden Dustman Falls Into Bad Company](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/v-the-golden-dustman-falls-into-bad-company) Closely watches Mr. Boffin's transformation and the Secretary's reactions, feeling internal conflict about her own motives and the Lammles' influence. ### [Somebody Becomes the Subject of a Prediction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ix-somebody-becomes-the-subject-of-a-prediction) Attends the funeral, then speaks privately with Lizzie Hexam at her home; she is commissioned to ask Lizzie about the reasons for her secrecy and shows a growing interest in Rokesmith's opinion. ### [Meaning Mischief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xii-meaning-mischief) Mentioned as the girl whose confidence Sophronia plans to betray in order to incriminate Rokesmith. ### [The Golden Dustman at His Worst](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xv-the-golden-dustman-at-his-worst) Horrified by Boffin's behavior, she defends Rokesmith, confesses her own fault in revealing their secret, and passionately wishes to be poor again. ### [The Feast of the Three Hobgoblins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xvi-the-feast-of-the-three-hobgoblins) Leaves the Boffins' house after a serious difference with Mr. Boffin, returns home, and reveals her engagement to her father. ### [A Runaway Match](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/iv-a-runaway-match) Marries John Rokesmith in a secret ceremony, joyfully embracing her new role as Mrs. John Rokesmith. ### [Concerning the Mendicant's Bride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/v-concerning-the-mendicant-s-bride) Now married to John Rokesmith, she returns to her family with joy and confidence, embracing her new role as a wife. ### [Effect Is Given to the Dolls’ Dressmaker’s Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xi-effect-is-given-to-the-dolls-dressmaker-s-discovery) Now Mrs. John Rokesmith, she is sewing and receives Mortimer Lightwood's visit about Lizzie Hexam's wedding. ### [XII: The Passing Shadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xii-the-passing-shadow) Now Mrs. John Rokesmith, a joyful mother to baby Bella, she notices her husband's anxiety and insists on sharing his burden, showing unwavering trust. ### [Showing How the Golden Dustman Helped to Scatter Dust](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiii-showing-how-the-golden-dustman-helped-to-scatter-dust) Stunned to learn her husband is John Harmon; overwhelmed by the Boffins' deception and love. ### [Postscript](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/postscript) Noted as being unharmed on her wedding day during the railway accident. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/bella_wilfer - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters