The Adventures of Pinocchio · Character

The Talking Cricket

A small wise insect who warns Pinocchio that disobedient boys come to bad ends, and is proved right again and again.

supporting

Also known as Cricket, little Cricket

First appearance: IV: The Talking Cricket Scolds Pinocchio

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

Scolds Pinocchio for his rebelliousness and warns him of a grim future, then is struck dead by Pinocchio.

In the storyIV: The Talking Cricket Scolds PinocchioOpen this moment free

The Cricket speaks up in Geppetto's workshop to tell Pinocchio that he should obey his father and go to school, and Pinocchio throws a hammer at him for his trouble. He returns later as a ghostly voice of conscience, and eventually as a practical helper who tells Pinocchio where to find milk for the sick Geppetto. His patient, slightly smug wisdom gives the story its running argument: that the puppet's misfortunes are not bad luck but the predictable harvest of his own choices.

See The Talking Cricket in IV: The Talking Cricket Scolds Pinocchio Book page

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Character Web

8 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Supporting Cast and Obstacles
Protagonist
Deceivers and Guides

+3 more in the full Character Web

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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

The Talking Cricket appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV: The Talking Cricket Scolds Pinocchio
Scolds Pinocchio for his rebelliousness and warns him of a grim future, then is struck dead by Pinocchio.
The Flying Egg
Referenced by Pinocchio as being right about his rebellion.
VII: Geppetto Gives His Own Breakfast to Pinocchio
Mentioned by Pinocchio in his jumbled account of the night; Pinocchio claims he threw a hammer at him and killed him.
The Inn of the Red Crawfish
Appears as a ghost to warn Pinocchio against trusting those who promise quick riches, but Pinocchio refuses to listen.
XIV: Pinocchio Falls Amongst Assassins
Referenced by Pinocchio as having warned him about assassins, though the Cricket is not present in the chapter.
XVI: The Beautiful Child Rescues the Puppet
One of the doctors summoned; recognizes Pinocchio and calls him a confirmed rogue, disobedient son, and ragamuffin, causing Pinocchio to cry.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for The Talking Cricket unlock in the free preview.

See The Talking Cricket in IV: The Talking Cricket Scolds Pinocchio