# Samuel Pickwick — The Pickwick Papers character guide > Samuel Pickwick in The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Pickwick, Pickwick, the immortal Pickwick, the eloquent Pickwick, the perplexed Mr. Pickwick **First appearance:** 0001-the-pickwick-papers ## Snapshot A benevolent, bespectacled founder of the Pickwick Club, he launches a scientific expedition across England and finds his earnest theories colliding with human chaos. ## Who they are Pickwick presides over the club he founded, flanked by three loyal Pickwickians, and proposes to widen his field of observation by travelling the country and reporting back. His defining tension is between the dignity of his learned reputation and the indignities his innocence keeps inviting — he is credulous where he should be wary, generous where others are scheming. His earnestness sets the novel's comic engine running: every misadventure tests, and ultimately deepens, his philanthropy. ## Relationships ### [Mrs. Bardell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/mrs_bardell) _rivalry_ Mrs. Bardell sues Pickwick for breach of promise after misinterpreting his friendly remarks as a marriage proposal, becoming his legal antagonist. ### [Job Trotter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/job_trotter) _rivalry_ Job Trotter is a cunning and deceitful servant of Alfred Jingle who repeatedly schemes against Pickwick. ### [Tracy Tupman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/tracy_tupman) _friendship_ Tracy Tupman is a fellow Pickwick Club member and friend, often involved in romantic misadventures. ### [Dodson and Fogg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/dodson_and_fogg) _rivalry_ Dodson and Fogg are unscrupulous lawyers who represent Mrs. Bardell in her lawsuit against Pickwick. ### [Bob Sawyer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/bob_sawyer) _friendship_ Bob Sawyer is a boisterous medical student and friend of Pickwick, known for his chaotic parties. ### [Samuel Slumkey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/samuel_slumkey) _social_ Samuel Slumkey is a parliamentary candidate whom Pickwick briefly supports during the Eatanswill election. ### [Arabella Allen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/arabella_allen) _friendship_ Arabella Allen is a young woman whom Pickwick helps in her romance with Nathaniel Winkle, acting as a benevolent matchmaker. ### [Peter Magnus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/peter_magnus) _social_ Peter Magnus is a nervous and pompous acquaintance of Pickwick during his stay in Ipswich. ### [Alfred Jingle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/alfred_jingle) _rivalry_ Alfred Jingle is a charming but unscrupulous conman who repeatedly deceives and antagonizes Pickwick. ### [Benjamin Allen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/benjamin_allen) _friendship_ Benjamin Allen is a medical student and friend of Pickwick, though often frustrated by his sister's romantic choices. ### [Mary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/mary) _professional_ Mary is Mrs. Bardell's housemaid, who later becomes a servant in Pickwick's household and is treated kindly by him. ### [Dowager Lady Snuphanuph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/dowager_lady_snuphanuph) _social_ Dowager Lady Snuphanuph is a haughty aristocratic acquaintance of Pickwick at Bath. ## In the story ### [The Pickwick Papers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/the-pickwick-papers) Founder of the Pickwick Club and central protagonist, whose benevolent nature and adventures drive the narrative. ### [The Pickwickians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/i) Founder of the Pickwick Club, delivers an oration on fame and philanthropy, and is appointed to lead the Corresponding Society. ### [The First Day's Journey, and the First Evening's Adventures; with Their Consequences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/ii) Wakes early, reflects on the narrow views of philosophers, hails a cab, and notes the driver's claims about his horse. Meets his friends at the Golden Cross and is rescued from a quarrel by the stranger. ### [A New Acquaintance—The Stroller's Tale—A Disagreeable Interruption, and an Unpleasant Encounter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/iii) Hosts the gathering, becomes enraged during the confrontation with Doctor Slammer, and is restrained by his friends. ### [A Field Day and Bivouac—More New Friends—An Invitation to the Country](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/iv) Leads the group to the review, chases his hat after being knocked down, and accepts the invitation to Dingley Dell. ### [A Short One — Showing How Mr. Pickwick Undertook to Drive, and Mr. Winkle to Ride, and How They Both Did It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/v) Drives the chaise and later assists Mr. Winkle with the horse, showing kindness and humanity. ### [An Old-Fashioned Card-Party—The Clergyman's Verses—The Story of the Convict's Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/vi) Arrives at Dingley Dell and is introduced to the company; engages in conversation and enjoys the evening. ### [How Mr. Winkle, instead of shooting at the pigeon and killing the crow, shot at the crow and wounded the pigeon; how the Dingley Dell cricket club played All-Muggleton, and how All-Muggleton dined at the Dingley Dell expense; with other interesting and instructive matters.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/vii) Wakes early, enjoys the countryside, and accompanies the shooting party. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/ix) Accompanies Wardle in the chase, remains calm despite the upset and Jingle's insults. ### [The Rescue of Rachael Wardle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/x) Present during the confrontation; becomes enraged when Jingle taunts him, throwing an inkstand, but quickly regains composure. ### [Involving another journey, and an antiquarian discovery; recording Mr. Pickwick's determination to be present at an election; and containing a manuscript of the old clergyman's.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xi) Reunites with his friends, persuades Tupman to return, and discovers an ancient inscribed stone. ### [Descriptive of a very important proceeding on the part of Mr. Pickwick; no less an epoch in his life, than in this history](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xii) Nervously paces his room, inadvertently leads Mrs. Bardell to misunderstand his intentions, and hires Sam Weller as his manservant. ### [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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xiii) Arrives in Eatanswill with his companions, observes the election fervor, and becomes a guest of Mr. Pott. ### [Comprising a brief description of the company at the Peacock assembled; and a tale told by a bagman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xiv) Devotes his time to election proceedings, absent from the Peacock socializing. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xv) Receives an invitation from Mr. Leo Hunter, argues with Mr. Tupman over his costume, and ultimately reconciles. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xvi) Gullibly agrees to Job Trotter's plan to thwart Jingle's elopement, ends up trapped in a closet at Westgate House. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xvii) Laid up with rheumatism but retains his good humour; spends his convalescence writing down Sam Weller's tale. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xviii) Recovers from his adventure with Jingle, plans to return to London, and laments the trouble his followers cause. ### [A Pleasant Day with an Unpleasant Termination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xix) Lame but eager to join the shooting party; rides in a barrow pushed by Sam Weller; insists on safe gun handling. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xx) Resolves to pursue Jingle to Ipswich after learning his whereabouts from Tony Weller; later confronts Dodson and Fogg over the breach of promise writ. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxii) Mr. Pickwick accidentally enters the wrong bedroom and encounters a middle-aged lady in curl-papers; later he converses with Mr. Peter Magnus about his romantic plans. ### [Wherein Mr. Peter Magnus grows jealous, and the middle-aged lady apprehensive, which brings the Pickwickians within the grasp of the law](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxiv) Provides romantic advice to Mr. Peter Magnus, then is arrested by Mr. Grummer and escorted to the mayor's residence. ### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxv) Confronts Jingle and exposes him to Mr. Nupkins, then bids farewell to the family. ### [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxvi) Returns to London and sends Sam to Mrs. Bardell's to arrange removal of his belongings. ### [Samuel Weller makes a pilgrimage to Dorking, and beholds his mother-in-law](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxvii) Grants Sam leave to visit his father, pleased with Sam's filial feelings. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxviii) Proposes a toast to the bride and groom, expresses delight at the festivities, and participates in the wedding celebrations. ### [How the Pickwickians made and cultivated the acquaintance of a couple of nice young men belonging to one of the liberal professions; how they disported themselves on the ice; and how their visit came to a conclusion.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxx) Hosts the Christmas morning breakfast, exposes Winkle's deception, and joyfully joins the ice sliding. ### [Chapter XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxxi) Visits Serjeant Snubbin with Perker, asserts his innocence, and later declares he will pay no damages to Dodson and Fogg. ### [A Bachelor's Party at Mr. Bob Sawyer's](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxxii) Attends the party and is fascinated by the medical stories, but is forced to leave when Mrs. Raddle intervenes. ### [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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxxiii) Anxious about the upcoming trial, sends frequent notes to Mr. Perker. ### [The Trial of Bardell vs. Pickwick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxxiv) The defendant in the trial; appears agitated and anxious as the proceedings unfold. ### [In which Mr. Pickwick thinks he had better go to Bath; and goes accordingly.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxxv) Resolves not to pay the damages and costs from the trial, and decides to travel to Bath with his friends. ### [Chapter XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxxvi) Takes lodgings in Bath, drinks the waters systematically, reads the legend of Prince Bladud, and attempts to make peace after the Winkle-Dowler altercation. ### [Honourably accounts for Mr. Weller's absence, by describing a soiree to which he was invited and went; also relates how he was entrusted by Mr. Pickwick with a private mission of delicacy and importance.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxxvii) Informs Sam of Mr. Winkle's departure after a quarrel with Dowler, and sends Sam on a mission to bring Winkle back. ### [Mr. Samuel Weller, being entrusted with a mission of love, proceeds to execute it; with what success will hereinafter appear.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xxxix) Arrives in Bath to oversee Winkle's romantic pursuit; uses a dark lantern during the nighttime garden expedition; speaks reassuringly to Arabella over the wall. ### [Chapter XL: Mr. Pickwick is Arrested and Taken to the Fleet Prison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xl) Arrested and taken to Fleet Prison for the Bardell debt. ### [What befell Mr. Pickwick when he got into the Fleet; what prisoners he saw there, and how he passed the night.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xli) Mr. Pickwick enters the Fleet Prison, observes the wretched conditions, and is assigned to the warder's room. He is roused from sleep by noisy prisoners and reluctantly participates in their socializing, paying for sherry. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xlii) Wakes in Fleet Prison, observes the prison's misery, and arranges a room while planning to assist fellow prisoners. ### [Showing how Mr. Samuel Weller got into difficulties](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xliii) Already in Fleet Prison; shocked to learn Sam has been arrested. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xliv) Moved by Sam's attachment, he reluctantly accepts Sam's imprisonment and later visits the dying Chancery prisoner. ### [Chapter XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xlv) Mr. Pickwick tours the Fleet Prison, witnesses its grim reality, and resolves to remain in his room to avoid the turmoil. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xlvi) Present in Fleet Prison, turns indignantly on seeing Mrs. Bardell. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xlvii) Released from Fleet Prison; shows benevolence to prisoners and agrees to visit Mr. Winkle Sr. ### [Relates how Mr. Pickwick, with the assistance of Samuel Weller, essayed to soften the heart of Mr. Benjamin Allen, and to mollify the wrath of Mr. Robert Sawyer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xlviii) Visits Bob Sawyer and Ben Allen to mediate the dispute over Arabella's marriage. ### [Containing the story of the bagman's uncle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/xlix) Not directly present; the chapter is a story told by the bagman, but Mr. Pickwick is the primary audience within the frame narrative. ### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/l) Leads the visit to Mr. Winkle Sr. to advocate for Nathaniel Winkle's marriage, growing increasingly frustrated by Bob Sawyer's behavior and the old gentleman's refusal to help. ### [In which Mr. Pickwick encounters an old acquaintance—to which fortunate circumstance the reader is mainly indebted for matter of thrilling interest herein set down, concerning two great public men of might and power.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/li) Mr. Pickwick is depressed by the weather and the outcome of his embassy, but later intervenes in the fight between Pott and Slurk, receiving blows from both. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/lii) Arranges for Bob Sawyer and Ben Allen to stay elsewhere to spare Arabella's feelings. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/liii) Mr. Pickwick comforts Arabella, settles his accounts with Perker, and bids farewell to Jingle and Job Trotter. ### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/liv) Shocked by the revelation of Snodgrass's secret engagement and participates in the discussion about how to proceed. ### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/lvi) Mr. Pickwick is alone, musing on how to provide for the young couple, and later proposes to help Sam marry Mary. ### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/lvii) Announces his retirement to Dulwich and the dissolution of the Pickwick Club; later lives peacefully, known and loved by the neighbourhood. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/endnotes) Referenced as Member Pickwick Club and General Chairman. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters/samuel_pickwick - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/characters