# Tommy Codlin — The Old Curiosity Shop character guide

> Tommy Codlin in The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Codlin, Tom Codlin, Mr. Codlin, Thomas Codlin

**First appearance:** 0019-xvii

## Who they are

A grumpy showman who travels with Short and the Punch and Judy show.

## Relationships

### [Short](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/characters/short)

_professional_

Short and Tommy Codlin are traveling showmen and business partners, though they often bicker and distrust each other.

### [Short](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/characters/short)

_professional_

Short and Tommy Codlin are traveling showmen and business partners, though they often bicker and distrust each other.

### [Short](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/characters/short)

_professional_

Short and Tommy Codlin are traveling showmen and business partners, though they often bicker and distrust each other.

## In the story

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xvi)

A surly, mistrustful showman who takes the money and grumbles about human nature.

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

Grudgingly allows Nell and her grandfather to travel with them; packs saved candle-ends and eats greedily.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xviii)

Arrives at the inn first, eagerly anticipates the stew, and grows impatient with Short's theorizing.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xix)

Codlin privately warns Nell to trust him over Short, showing jealousy and a possessive interest in her and her grandfather.

### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xxxvii)

One of the Punch showmen; melancholy and self-pitying, he claims Nell called him her friend and 'Father Codlin.'

## Links

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