The Old Curiosity Shop · Character
The Marchioness
Swiveller's nickname for the Brasses' starved little servant, a girl of unknown age whose cunning and gratitude make her his unlikely partner.
supporting
Also known as Marchioness
First appearance: xxxii
As a supporting figure in The Old Curiosity Shop, The Marchioness is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
The small servant who plays cribbage with Swiveller, reveals the Brasses' habits, and admits to spying through keyholes out of hunger.
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Christened the Marchioness over a game of cards and a tankard of purl, she becomes Dick Swiveller's confidante in the Brasses' kitchen and his source of gossip about Miss Sally and Mr. Quilp. Her tongue loosens with the…
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The fuller portrait of The Marchioness sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See The Marchioness in xxxiiCharacter Web
16 connectionsA slice of how The Marchioness sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Abused servants and allies
- Kit's circle and antagonists
+11 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative 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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The Marchioness appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for The Marchioness unlock in the free preview.
See The Marchioness in xxxii