# Mr. Boffin — Our Mutual Friend character guide > Mr. Boffin in Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Boffin, Mrs. Boffin, Noddy Boffin, Nicodemus Boffin **First appearance:** 0005-v-boffin-s-bower ## Snapshot A golden dustman raised from the rubbish heaps to sudden wealth, he plays patron and puppet-master while testing whether money can buy good character. ## Who they are Mr. Boffin inherits the Harmon fortune and installs himself as benefactor to Bella Wilfer and employer to John Rokesmith, transforming from humble scavenger into a man of property and opinion. His blustering confrontation with Rokesmith over Bella reveals a coarsening instinct to police stations and barter affections, even as his wife's gentler judgment pulls the other way. His shifting conduct toward those in his power becomes the moral laboratory of the novel's middle stretch. ## Relationships ### [Bella Wilfer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/bella_wilfer) _family_ Bella becomes the Boffins' adopted daughter and later their beloved daughter-in-law, with Mr. Boffin acting as a surrogate father and benefactor. ### [Silas Wegg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/silas_wegg) _professional_ Mr. Boffin hires Silas Wegg as a reader and later as a clerk, but Wegg secretly plots to blackmail him. ### [Eugene Wrayburn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/eugene_wrayburn) _friendship_ Eugene and Mr. Boffin share a warm, respectful friendship, with Boffin acting as a mentor and supporter of Eugene's marriage to Lizzie. ### [Mr. Venus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/mr_venus) _professional_ Mr. Boffin employs Mr. Venus as a taxidermist and later as an ally in exposing Wegg's conspiracy, rewarding his honesty. ### [John Rokesmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/john_rokesmith) _professional_ John Rokesmith serves as Mr. Boffin's secretary, but is secretly the rightful heir to the Harmon estate, testing Boffin's character. ### [Mrs. Boffin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/mrs_boffin) _family_ Mr. and Mrs. Boffin are a devoted, loving married couple who share a deep partnership and mutual kindness. ### [Silas Wegg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/silas_wegg) _professional_ Mr. Boffin hires Silas Wegg as a reader and later as a clerk, but Wegg secretly plots to blackmail him. ### [Eugene Wrayburn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/eugene_wrayburn) _friendship_ Eugene and Mr. Boffin share a warm, respectful friendship, with Boffin acting as a mentor and supporter of Eugene's marriage to Lizzie. ### [Bella Wilfer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/bella_wilfer) _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) _professional_ John Rokesmith serves as Mr. Boffin's secretary, but is secretly the rightful heir to the Harmon estate, testing Boffin's character. ### [Silas Wegg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/silas_wegg) _professional_ Mr. Boffin hires Silas Wegg as a reader and later as a clerk, but Wegg secretly plots to blackmail him. ### [Bella Wilfer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/bella_wilfer) _family_ Bella becomes the Boffins' adopted daughter and later their beloved daughter-in-law, with Mr. Boffin acting as a surrogate father and benefactor. ## 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) Inherits the Harmon fortune and hires Silas Wegg as his reader. ### [Boffin's Bower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/v-boffin-s-bower) The cheerful and simple new master of Boffin's Bower; he eagerly hires Wegg to read to him and shares his home's history. ### [Boffin's Bower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/v-boffin-s-bower) Mr. Boffin's affectionate wife; she maintains her own style in the home and participates in the welcome for Wegg. ### [Mr. Boffin in Consultation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/viii-mr-boffin-in-consultation) Consults with Mortimer Lightwood about his inheritance, reminisces about the old Harmon, and interviews John Rokesmith for a secretary position. ### [Mr. and Mrs. Boffin in Consultation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ix-mr-and-mrs-boffin-in-consultation) Returns home and consults with Mrs. Boffin about their new fortune and lifestyle. He supports her plans and accompanies her to visit the Milveys and the Wilfers. ### [Mr. and Mrs. Boffin in Consultation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ix-mr-and-mrs-boffin-in-consultation) Eager to embrace fashionable society and proposes adopting an orphan to give the name of John Harmon. She visits the Milveys to seek help in finding a suitable child. ### [Two New Servants](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xv-two-new-servants) Struggling with paperwork and financial management; hires John Rokesmith as secretary; anxious about Silas Wegg's jealousy. ### [Two New Servants](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xv-two-new-servants) Observes Mr. Boffin's difficulties; approves of John Rokesmith; recites poetry given by Silas Wegg. ### [Minders and Reminders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xvi-minders-and-reminders) Sends word to Bella and visits Betty Higden to see the orphan, showing her kind and practical nature. ### [A Dismal Swamp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xvii-a-dismal-swamp) Now established in the aristocratic mansion, he is the target of numerous beggars and social climbers. ### [A Dismal Swamp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xvii-a-dismal-swamp) She takes Bella Wilfer to the milliner and dressmaker, helping her get beautifully dressed. ### [Book the Second: Birds of a Feather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/book-the-second-birds-of-a-feather) Mr. Boffin continues as the new master of the Harmon fortune, navigating his role in society. ### [In Which a Friendly Move Is Originated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vii-in-which-a-friendly-move-is-originated) Alters reading schedule with Wegg; visits Bower for evening readings; sympathetic to Wegg's lamentations about the house. ### [In Which an Innocent Elopement Occurs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/viii-in-which-an-innocent-elopement-occurs) Mr. Boffin praises Rokesmith's work but is puzzled by his refusal to socialize with guests, noting that Rokesmith only seems comfortable around Bella. ### [In Which an Innocent Elopement Occurs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/viii-in-which-an-innocent-elopement-occurs) Mrs. Boffin enjoys her new life and insists Bella use the chariot for her visit home, showing her generous and cheerful nature. ### [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) Not directly present, but Mrs. Boffin acts on his behalf; the Boffins are deeply concerned for Johnny. ### [A Successor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/x-a-successor) Participates in the consultation about adopting a child and supports his wife's decisions. ### [A Successor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/x-a-successor) Leads the discussion about not reviving the Harmon name and decides to adopt Sloppy instead. ### [A Solo and a Duet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiii-a-solo-and-a-duet) Referenced as one of the 'dear old faithful friends' who have inherited the fortune and are making good use of it. ### [A Solo and a Duet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiii-a-solo-and-a-duet) Mentioned alongside Mr. Boffin as a faithful friend and part of Harmon's motivation to remain dead. ### [Strong of Purpose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiv-strong-of-purpose) Rants against patronage and patronesses; supports giving Betty Higden a letter of introduction. ### [Strong of Purpose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiv-strong-of-purpose) Reluctantly agrees to let Betty Higden travel and work independently, persuaded by Rokesmith. ### [Book the Third: A Long Lane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/book-the-third-a-long-lane) Mr. Boffin is unaware of the conspiracy against him, continuing his role as the generous but eccentric benefactor. ### [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) Shows increasing miserliness, craftiness, and distrust; negotiates a salary of two hundred a year with Rokesmith and collects miser biographies. ### [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) Anxiously reflects Mr. Boffin's changes; remains kind and proud of Bella, not jealous of Mrs. Lammle's attention. ### [The Golden Dustman Falls Into Worse Company](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vi-the-golden-dustman-falls-into-worse-company) Engrossed in reading about hidden fortunes and wills, he produces a dark lantern and goes to patrol the yard alone, arousing Wegg's suspicion. ### [The Friendly Move Takes Up a Strong Position](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vii-the-friendly-move-takes-up-a-strong-position) Referenced as the 'minion and worm' whom Wegg and Venus plot to control; leaves the yard after slamming the gate. ### [The End of a Long Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/viii-the-end-of-a-long-journey) Mentioned as having heard nothing of Betty Higden since she left his house. ### [Meaning Mischief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xii-meaning-mischief) Target of the Lammles' scheme; they plan to exploit his growing suspicion and miserliness. ### [Mr. Wegg Prepares a Grindstone for Mr. Boffin’s Nose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiv-mr-wegg-prepares-a-grindstone-for-mr-boffin-s-nose) Visits Mr. Venus in secret, learns of Wegg's discovery of the will, and hides behind an alligator to eavesdrop on Wegg's plotting; shows signs of avarice and anxiety over losing the fortune. ### [The Golden Dustman at His Worst](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xv-the-golden-dustman-at-his-worst) Exhibits extreme avarice and distrust, openly insulting his secretary and accusing him of mercenary motives. ### [The Golden Dustman at His Worst](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xv-the-golden-dustman-at-his-worst) Anxious and distressed, she is forbidden to explain Boffin's behavior to Bella but watches her with concern. ### [The Golden Dustman Rises a Little](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ii-the-golden-dustman-rises-a-little) Sees through the Lammles' flattery, pays them for their service, and firmly ends their scheming; shows kindness to Georgiana. ### [The Golden Dustman Rises a Little](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ii-the-golden-dustman-rises-a-little) Present at the breakfast, shy and silent, but shares her husband's understanding of the Lammles' true motives. ### [The Golden Dustman Sinks Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/iii-the-golden-dustman-sinks-again) Appears crestfallen and submissive as Wegg confronts him; he rocks himself on the settle, groans, and eventually gives in to Wegg's extortionate demands. ### [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) Revealed to have been play-acting as a miser to test Bella's character; now beaming with joy and pride. ### [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) The cheerful narrator of the revelation, recounting how she recognized John Harmon and helped orchestrate the test. ### [Checkmate to the Friendly Move](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiv-checkmate-to-the-friendly-move) Mr. Boffin, the Golden Dustman, is revealed to have acted disinterestedly, restoring the Harmon fortune to John Harmon and offering Wegg a chance to set up a new stall. ### [Postscript](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/postscript) Mentioned as being in the railway accident with Mrs. Boffin, both unharmed. ### [Postscript](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/postscript) Mentioned as being in the railway accident with Mr. Boffin, both unharmed. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters/mr_boffin - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/characters