# Christopher Nubbles — The Old Curiosity Shop character guide > Christopher Nubbles in The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Kit, Poor Kit, Christopher, Christian **First appearance:** 0002-the-old-curiosity-shop ## Snapshot A poor, grateful stable-boy whose devotion to little Nell makes him the story's most honest heart — and its easiest target. ## Who they are Kit Nubbles is the shabby, softhearted servant who loves Nell and her grandfather without ever expecting anything back, and whose plain decency stands out sharply against the schemers around him. His great flaw is simply that he is too trusting and too poor to defend himself when powerful men decide to use him. His loyalty and his vulnerability together make him the moral center of the early and middle chapters. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/i) The comical, awkward boy who works for the old man and brings humor to Nell's life. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/iii) Kit receives a writing lesson from Nell, struggling comically with blots and ink but showing earnest desire to learn. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/vi) Kit accompanies Nell to Quilp's house, stares threateningly at Quilp, and is instructed to take care of her. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/ix) Kit is wrongly accused by the old man of spying, and Quilp maliciously confirms the false accusation. ### [Kit's Vigil and Nell's Farewell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/x) Kit returns home tired from his nightly vigil, shares a meal with his mother, and is devastated when Nell tells him he must never come near them again. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xi) Waits to see Nell and offers his family's home as a refuge for her and her grandfather, asking only for a kind word. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xiii) Fights another boy to rescue Nell's bird and brings it home to his family. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xiv) Kit visits the deserted shop, struggles to earn money, and is hired by the Garland family for a small task. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xx) Kit continues to hope for Nell's return, goes to meet the old gentleman at the notary's, and is questioned about his family. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxi) Kit is hired by the Garlands at six pounds a year, and later confronted by Quilp and Swiveller about his old master and Nell. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxii) Kit prepares to leave home, comforts his mother, walks to Finchley, and is warmly received by the Garlands. He meets Barbara and feels shy in her presence. ### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxxviii) Kit is now happily employed by the Garland family, sending money to his mother and showing deep affection for his family. He is questioned by a stranger about his former master and Nell. ### [Chapter XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxxix) Receives his first quarter's wages and enjoys a holiday with his family and Barbara. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xl) Kit returns from holiday, works in the garden, and refuses an offer of employment from a gentleman at the office, remaining loyal to the Garlands. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xli) Kit orchestrates the plan to fetch his mother and join the rescue party, showing his determination and loyalty. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xlvii) Kit is mentioned as the son of Kit's mother, who travels with the single gentleman. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xlviii) Mentioned as the single gentleman's confidential agent; later meets his mother at the coach office and sees Quilp. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/li) Discussed by Quilp and the Brasses as the target of their conspiracy; Quilp expresses hatred and a desire to harm him. ### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lvi) Arrives at Brass's office to leave, but is called back and given half-crowns by Brass, who manipulates him with false sympathy and hints at future payments. ### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lvii) Regularly visits Bevis Marks with messages, groomed by Brass's false praise. ### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lix) Kit is lured back to the office by Brass's false kindness, then accused of stealing a five-pound note. He protests his innocence but is searched and the note is found in his hat. ### [Kit Accused](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lx) Arrested for theft, protests his innocence, and accuses Brass of plotting against him. ### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxi) Imprisoned and innocent, Kit suffers intense grief over his situation and fears the opinions of his friends and family, especially Nell. ### [LXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxiii) Tried and found guilty of stealing a bank note; maintains his innocence. ### [LXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxv) Referenced as the one whose innocence can be proven and who needs saving. ### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxviii) Kit is released from prison, pardoned after his innocence is proven. He returns home to a joyful reunion with his family and friends, and learns of the possible discovery of Nell and her grandfather. ### [LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxix) Kit rises early, eagerly prepares for the journey to find Nell, and has a heartfelt conversation with Barbara about his devotion to Nell. ### [LXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxx) Kit endures the cold and snow, drives the carriage, and carries Nell's birdcage, hoping to see her again. ### [LXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxxi) Kit finds the grandfather and desperately asks for Nell, then witnesses her death. ### [LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxxii) Nell speaks of wanting to send her love to Kit, and the boy (her little friend) is mentioned as visiting her grave with dried flowers. ### [LXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxxiii) Kit marries Barbara, gains prosperity through the help of those who once wronged him, and becomes a father, telling his children the story of Nell. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/characters/kit_nubbles - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/characters