The Adventures of Pinocchio · Character

Geppetto

A poor woodcarver who builds a puppet to fill his lonely house, then gives up his own coat to buy the boy a spelling-book.

major

Also known as poor Geppetto, neighbor Geppetto

First appearance: III: Geppetto Names His Puppet Pinocchio

As a major figure in The Adventures of Pinocchio, Geppetto is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Visits Master Cherry to ask for wood to make a puppet; fights over being called 'Pudding' and leaves limping with the wood.

In the storyII: Master Cherry Gives the Wood AwayOpen this moment free

See Geppetto in II: Master Cherry Gives the Wood Away Book page

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Geppetto is the town's gruff but tender old craftsman, mocked for wanting a son made of wood and yet unable to stop loving the troublesome creature he carved. His poverty is real and specific: he sells his only coat in the snow so Pinocchio can go to school, then hides the sacrifice behind a joke about the weather. That quiet generosity sets the moral stakes of the whole story, because every time Pinocchio strays, he is straying from someone who has already given him everything.

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The fuller portrait of Geppetto sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Geppetto in III: Geppetto Names His Puppet Pinocchio

Character Web

2 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Supporting Cast and Obstacles
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak occurs when Pinocchio, after being forgiven and offered a loving family with the Fairy, cho…

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In the story

Geppetto appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II: Master Cherry Gives the Wood Away
Visits Master Cherry to ask for wood to make a puppet; fights over being called 'Pudding' and leaves limping with the wood.
III: Geppetto Names His Puppet Pinocchio
Creates Pinocchio, names him, and struggles with his rebellious behavior; is ultimately led to prison by the soldier.
IV: The Talking Cricket Scolds Pinocchio
Mentioned as being taken to prison, setting the scene for Pinocchio's return.
The Flying Egg
Mentioned by Pinocchio with regret as 'my papa' whom he disobeyed.
VI: Pinocchio’s Feet Burn to Cinders
Geppetto is heard knocking at the door at daybreak, calling out to Pinocchio.
VII: Geppetto Gives His Own Breakfast to Pinocchio
Climbs in through the window, scolds Pinocchio but then comforts him, gives him his own breakfast of three pears, and teaches him about not being too dainty.
Geppetto Makes Pinocchio New Feet
Punishes Pinocchio by delaying, then makes him new feet with glue. He sells his own coat to buy a spelling book for Pinocchio, showing deep parental sacrifice.
IX: Pinocchio Goes to See a Puppet Show
Mentioned as having sold his coat to buy the spelling book, now left cold and shirtless.
X: The Puppets Recognize Their Brother Pinocchio
Called upon by Pinocchio in desperation as he cries for his father to save him.
XII: Pinocchio Receives a Present of Five Gold Pieces
Mentioned as Pinocchio's father, a beggar who sold his coat for a spelling-book; Pinocchio intends to buy him a new coat.
XV: The Assassins Hang Pinocchio to the Big Oak
Remembered by Pinocchio in his final moments as he calls out for his father before losing consciousness.
XXIII: Pinocchio Flies to the Seashore
Reported by the Pigeon to be building a boat to cross the ocean; later seen in the boat during a storm.
Pinocchio Finds the Fairy Again
Mentioned as missing; his boat may have sunk and he may have been swallowed by the Dogfish.
XXXV: A Happy Surprise for Pinocchio
Has been living inside the Dogfish for nearly two years on supplies from a sunken ship; reunites with Pinocchio and is carried to safety.
XXXVI: Pinocchio at Last Ceases to Be a Puppet and Becomes a Boy
Rescued from the sea by Pinocchio and the Tunny; regains health and returns to woodcarving after Pinocchio's devotion.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Geppetto unlock in the free preview.

See Geppetto in III: Geppetto Names His Puppet Pinocchio

See Geppetto in II: Master Cherry Gives the Wood Away