The Pickwick Papers · Character

Mr. Perker

A pocket-sized election agent and solicitor whose snuff-taking cheerfulness conceals a mastery of every shady maneuver in Eatanswill politics.

supporting

Also known as Perker, little Mr. Perker, Little Mr. Perker

First appearance: iii

See Mr. Perker in iii Book page

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Perker manages the Blue party's campaign with such tactics as locking voters in coach-houses and distributing forty-five green parasols to secure wives and brothers. He becomes Mr. Pickwick's trusted legal advisor, steering the innocent philosopher through courts and crises with worldly patience. His pragmatic, faintly cynical competence sets the tone for the novel's satire of elections, law, and gentlemanly naivety.

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See Mr. Perker in iii

Character Web

35 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Pickwickians and associates
Ipswich and Bath characters
Trial legal figures
Protagonist

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Narrative 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 delivers the emotional and psychological peak of Sam Weller’…

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In the story

Mr. Perker appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Rescue of Rachael Wardle
The lawyer who negotiates with Jingle, offering money to drop the marriage; advises caution throughout.
Some Account of Eatanswill; of the State of Parties Therein; and of the Election of a Member to Serve in Parliament for that Ancient, Loyal, and Patriotic Borough
A little man who assists with arrangements for the Pickwickians' stay in Eatanswill.
Chapter XX
Mr. Pickwick resolves to visit his solicitor immediately after the confrontation with Dodson and Fogg.
Chapter XXXI
Mr. Pickwick's solicitor, who has retained Serjeant Snubbin and discusses the legal strategy for the upcoming trial.
Mr. Weller the Elder Delivers Some Critical Sentiments Respecting Literary Composition; and, Assisted by His Son Samuel, Pays a Small Instalment of Retaliation to the Account of the Reverend Gentleman with the Red Nose
Receives Mr. Pickwick's anxious notes and reassures him.
The Trial of Bardell vs. Pickwick
Mr. Pickwick's attorney, who guides him through the court and offers cynical advice about jurymen.
In which Mr. Pickwick thinks he had better go to Bath; and goes accordingly.
Advises Mr. Pickwick to pay the costs and damages, but supports the Bath trip as a way to change his mind.
Chapter XL: Mr. Pickwick is Arrested and Taken to the Fleet Prison
Attempts to persuade Pickwick to settle the debt, but accompanies him to the legal proceedings.
XLVII
Receives news from Job Trotter; admires Dodson and Fogg's cunning; persuades Pickwick to go to Birmingham.
LIII
Perker handles the settlement with Pickwick, advises on the Winkle situation, and receives Dodson and Fogg.
LIV
Offers pragmatic advice to Wardle and Pickwick, suggesting they resolve the matter privately.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Perker in iii