# Barbara — The Old Curiosity Shop character guide

> Barbara in The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Poor Barbara, Little Barbara

**First appearance:** 0013-xi

## Who they are

The Garlands' maidservant who becomes Kit's sweetheart.

## In the story

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxii)

The pretty, modest servant-girl who opens the door for Kit, later serves him food in the kitchen; both are shy and embarrassed when their eyes meet.

### [Chapter XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxxix)

Also receives her quarter's wages and joins Kit and their mothers for a day of celebration.

### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xl)

Barbara meets Kit and her mother for the walk to Finchley; she is quiet and has a headache from the holiday.

### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxi)

Mentioned as a source of Kit's anxiety; he fears she will associate him with criminality.

### [LXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxiii)

Barbara's mother is present at the prison, crying and holding the baby.

### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxviii)

Barbara is present at the reunion, thinner and paler but very pretty. She faints and has hysterics upon seeing Kit, but eventually recovers.

### [LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxix)

Barbara initially seems downcast about Kit's excitement but later reconciles with him, moved by his honest affection and loyalty to Nell.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/characters/barbara
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/characters