The Pickwick Papers · Character

Mr. Stiggins

A red-nosed evangelical minister whose pious unction barely conceals a devoted appetite for rum and the Weller household's hospitality.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Stiggins, the reverend Mr. Stiggins, Stiggins, the Reverend Mr. Stiggins

First appearance: v

As a supporting figure in The Pickwick Papers, Mr. Stiggins is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The red-nosed deputy shepherd, who enjoys tea and toast while being criticized by Tony Weller.

In the storySamuel Weller makes a pilgrimage to Dorking, and beholds his mother-in-lawOpen this moment free

See Mr. Stiggins in Samuel Weller makes a pilgrimage to Dorking, and beholds his mother-in-law Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Stiggins attaches himself to Mrs. Weller as her spiritual adviser, trading sanctimonious sermons for frequent access to her kitchen and cellar. His hypocrisy—praying loudly while drinking steadily—makes him a target of Tony Weller's blunt contempt and Sam's dry mockery. He represents the novel's satire of religious cant, and his presence in the Weller family circle complicates the elder coachman's domestic life.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Mr. Stiggins sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Mr. Stiggins in v

Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Mr. Stiggins sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Ipswich and Bath characters
Pickwickians and associates
Trial legal figures
Protagonist

+9 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

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’…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Mr. Stiggins appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Samuel Weller makes a pilgrimage to Dorking, and beholds his mother-in-law
The red-nosed deputy shepherd, who enjoys tea and toast while being criticized by Tony Weller.
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
Arrives drunk at the temperance meeting, causing a disturbance.
LII
Visits to offer condolences but is thrown out by Tony Weller.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Stiggins unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Stiggins in v

See Mr. Stiggins in Samuel Weller makes a pilgrimage to Dorking, and beholds his mother-in-law