# Abel Garland — The Old Curiosity Shop character guide > Abel Garland in The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Mr. Garland, Abel, old Mr. Garland **First appearance:** 0013-xi ## Snapshot A benevolent old gentleman of Finchley who employs Kit, admires his honesty, and becomes a steady friend to the wronged and the wandering. ## Who they are 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. ## Relationships ### [Richard Swiveller](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/characters/richard_swiveller) _friendship_ Abel Garland and Richard Swiveller become friendly acquaintances, with Abel helping Swiveller in his endeavors. ### [Richard Swiveller](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/characters/richard_swiveller) _friendship_ Abel Garland and Richard Swiveller become friendly acquaintances, with Abel helping Swiveller in his endeavors. ### [Richard Swiveller](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/characters/richard_swiveller) _friendship_ Abel Garland and Richard Swiveller become friendly acquaintances, with Abel helping Swiveller in his endeavors. ## In the story ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xiv) Abel is celebrating his 28th birthday and signing articles with the notary, accompanied by his parents. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xx) The little old gentleman who, with his wife, visits the notary and takes an interest in Kit. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxi) Mr. Abel Garland accompanies his parents to Kit's home and nods to Kit upon his arrival. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxii) Old Mr. Garland welcomes Kit, shows him the stable and garden, and promises to make him comfortable if he proves deserving. ### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxxix) Kindly pays Kit his quarter's wages and praises his work. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xl) Mr. Garland (the old gentleman) discusses the employment offer with Kit and later invites Mr. Chuckster to lunch. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xli) Mr. Abel is present with the Notary, lingering outside after the chaise departs. ### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lv) The bachelor who visits in the evenings, tells tales that please Nell, and reads to her. ### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lvii) Visits Bevis Marks with Kit, part of the frequent correspondence. ### [Kit Accused](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lx) Present at the notary's office, expresses disbelief and concern for Kit. ### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxiii) Present at the trial with anxious face; has employed counsel for Kit. ### [LXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxv) Summoned by the Marchioness, he is informed of Kit's situation and urged to act quickly. ### [LXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxvi) Old Mr. Garland visits Dick's bedside, reassures him, and participates in the strategy to free Kit. ### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxix) Mr. Garland listens to the single gentleman's story and reassures him; later he oversees the departure arrangements. ### [LXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxxi) Mr. Garland enters with the bachelor and the schoolmaster to comfort the grandfather. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/characters/abel_garland - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/characters