# Mrs. Jarley — The Old Curiosity Shop character guide

> Mrs. Jarley in The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Jarley

**First appearance:** 0027-xxv

## Who they are

Proprietor of a traveling waxworks exhibition who employs Nell.

## In the story

### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxvi)

The stout lady of the caravan, who offers Nell and her grandfather a ride after questioning them about the races.

### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxvii)

Proprietress of the waxwork; offers Nell and her grandfather positions.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxviii)

Prepares breakfast, goes out to promote the waxwork, oversees the setup, and negotiates with Mr. Slum for an acrostic.

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxix)

Mrs. Jarley uses Nell as a promotional tool for her waxwork, altering figures to appeal to local tastes and conciliate Miss Monflathers. She is kind and considerate to Nell.

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

Mrs. Jarley is furious at Miss Monflathers' insult but eventually laughs it off after drinking; she then struggles to attract customers to her waxwork exhibition.

### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xlvii)

Mrs. Jarley has just married George; she informs the single gentleman of Nell's disappearance and expresses regret that he did not arrive sooner.

## Links

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