The Old Curiosity Shop · Character

Abel Garland

A benevolent old gentleman of Finchley who employs Kit, admires his honesty, and becomes a steady friend to the wronged and the wandering.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Garland, Abel, old Mr. Garland

First appearance: xi

As a supporting figure in The Old Curiosity Shop, Abel Garland is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Abel is celebrating his 28th birthday and signing articles with the notary, accompanied by his parents.

In the storyXIVOpen this moment free

He lives at Abel Cottage with his son and a pony that will be driven by no one but Kit, and his household becomes a small island of decency in a story full of schemers. His white hair and trusting face make him, as Brass slyly notes, a man liable to be imposed upon, yet his goodness is not weakness. He matters because his steady patronage of Kit and his willingness to help the Trents give the early-middle arc its moral counterweight to Quilp and the Brasses.

See Abel Garland in XIV Book page

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Character Web

17 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Kit's circle and antagonists
Abused servants and allies

+12 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it captures the emotional and psychological peak of Kit’s despe…

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Relationships

Richard Swiveller
friendship · positive
Abel Garland and Richard Swiveller become friendly acquaintances, with Abel helping… How this plays out →
Richard Swiveller
friendship · positive
Abel Garland and Richard Swiveller become friendly acquaintances, with Abel helping… How this plays out →
Richard Swiveller
friendship · positive
Abel Garland and Richard Swiveller become friendly acquaintances, with Abel helping… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Abel Garland in xi

In the story

Abel Garland appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XIV
Abel is celebrating his 28th birthday and signing articles with the notary, accompanied by his parents.
Chapter XX
The little old gentleman who, with his wife, visits the notary and takes an interest in Kit.
XXI
Mr. Abel Garland accompanies his parents to Kit's home and nods to Kit upon his arrival.
XXII
Old Mr. Garland welcomes Kit, shows him the stable and garden, and promises to make him comfortable if he proves deserving.
Chapter XXXVIII
Mr. Abel is Kit's kind young master, who trusts Kit and allows him to send remittances home. He is present at the notary's office during the stranger's visit.
Chapter XXXIX
Kindly pays Kit his quarter's wages and praises his work.
XL
Mr. Abel walks out to be overtaken by the London coach; he is mentioned as having told his father about the gentleman's offer to Kit.
XL
Mr. Garland (the old gentleman) discusses the employment offer with Kit and later invites Mr. Chuckster to lunch.
XLI
Mr. Abel is present with the Notary, lingering outside after the chaise departs.
LV
The bachelor who visits in the evenings, tells tales that please Nell, and reads to her.
LVII
Visits Bevis Marks with Kit, part of the frequent correspondence.
Kit Accused
Present at the notary's office, expresses disbelief and concern for Kit.
LXI
Mentioned as having broken the news of Kit's arrest to his mother with kindness, but without expressing an opinion on his guilt.
LXIII
Present at the trial with anxious face; has employed counsel for Kit.
LXV
Summoned by the Marchioness, he is informed of Kit's situation and urged to act quickly.
LXVI
Old Mr. Garland visits Dick's bedside, reassures him, and participates in the strategy to free Kit.
LXVIII
Mr. Garland accompanies Kit home, reveals the news about his brother the Bachelor and the possible discovery of Nell and her grandfather, and plans a journey to confirm it.
LXIX
Mr. Garland listens to the single gentleman's story and reassures him; later he oversees the departure arrangements.
LXXI
Mr. Garland enters with the bachelor and the schoolmaster to comfort the grandfather.

Chapter companion notes

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See Abel Garland in xi

See Abel Garland in XIV