Character Analysis

Pip

Pip is the protagonist of the novel. He is introduced as a young boy suffering at the hands of his strict and disciplining sister, Mrs. Joe. He is a boy with low self-esteem, almost guilty of his existence, who later unexpectedly acquires wealth. Joe and Biddy are his confidants and friends, whom he alienates in his quest to impress Estella. On learning that Magwitch, an ex-convict, is his benefactor, he understands that “becoming a gentleman” has more to do with respecting others than with seeking the acceptance of high society. At the end of the novel, we see him transformed as a man of virtue, who is humble, respectful, and mature.

Estella

Estella is described as a beautiful girl who is difficult to please. She is under Miss Havisham’s protection, and the subject of Pip’s desire and love. She remains distant and treats Pip unfairly because of the way Miss Havisham has conditioned her. However, Pip finds himself attracted to her despite her arrogance toward him. Dickens’ portrayal of Estella is one-dimensional; he focuses only on her beauty and her effect on Pip. Estella breaks Pip’s heart to marry her classmate, only to unite with Pip at the end of the novel.

Miss. Havisham

Miss. Havisham is a rich, quirky woman who lives in Satis House. Unable to recover from the trauma of being abandoned at the altar by Compeyson, Miss. Havisham continues to live in the past. To avenge this wrongdoing, she adopts Estella and raises her to hurt men. As an external manifestation of her whims and eccentricities, she does not change anything in Satis House from the day of her wedding. The details of the manor reflect the trauma she experienced as a result of the betrayal.

Abel Magwitch (“The Convict”)

Magwitch is a criminal whom Pip helps to escape the prison early on in the novel. As Pip’s secret benefactor, he is integral to the plot. Magwitch is a character who seems to have been dealt the worst hand by destiny. He has spent large parts of his life in prison, mostly due to the malice of other people, such as Compeyson. Through his kind deeds, such as granting money to Pip for his training and upbringing, he is mostly seen as virtuous by the readers. Magwitch reminds Pip and the readers that one should not judge a person by their social standing; rather, it is important to look at the values adopted by individuals.

Joe Gargery

An extremely kind and compassionate figure in Pip’s childhood, Joe is the antithesis of Mrs. Joe. A village blacksmith, Joe has great moral integrity. He is exceptionally hard working, and is taught to read and write by Biddy later in the novel. Even when Pip seems to disregard Joe for his poor social standing, Joe treats Pip with unwavering love and care.

Jaggers

Jaggers is a stoic criminal lawyer who acts as a mediator between Pip and Magwitch. An intimidating figure in the book, the reader witnesses his softer side only occasionally. He also handles legal matters for Miss. Havisham and helps her adopt Estella. Mr. Jaggers is also entrusted with the job of managing Pip’s training.

Herbert Pocket

Herbert Pocket is Matthew Pocket’s son. Matthew trains Pip to become a gentleman. Pip and Herbert, similar in their upbringing and background, become best friends as they live together and discover shared experiences. Pip is able to confess his intense love for Estella to Herbert. Pip also helps Herbert set up a mercantile business abroad by financing him. Toward the end of the novel, Herbert marries Clara.

Wemmick

Wemmick is Mr. Jaggers’ chief clerk, who takes care of Pip’s schedule and later befriends him. Wemmick also plays a crucial role in planning Magwitch’s escape from England. He is known for changing his personality to suit the circumstance at hand, a trait that befuddles Pip. At home, Wemmick is caring, jovial, and outgoing, whereas at his workplace, he is quite intimidating.

Biddy

In stark contrast to Estella’s good looks and cold demeanor, Biddy is a simple, intelligent orphan who moves into Pip’s house after his sister is attacked. Responsible for Pip and Joe’s early learning, Biddy grows up to become a schoolteacher. Being perceptive, Biddy is able to warn Pip about the potential dangers of a life of grandeur and pretension, the sort of life Pipe seems to prefer. Dejected by London, Pip returns home in the hope of marrying Biddy, whom he had previously rejected, only to discover that she has married Joe.

Dodge Orlick

Orlick is a day laborer at Joe’s shop, and embodies the evil qualities in the book. Orlick is responsible for the attack on Mrs. Joe and for attempting to murder Pip.

Mrs. Joe

Mrs. Joe is Pip’s sister and Joe’s wife. A disciplinarian, she is in charge of the domestic space. She also has a tendency to recount her tales of victimhood. She behaves poorly with Pip and Joe. Orlick’s attack changes her drastically, making her docile and compassionate.

Uncle Pumblechook

Uncle Pumblechook is Joe’s uncle. He is responsible for the first meeting between Miss. Havisham and Pip. He also claims credit for Pip’s good fortune.

Compeyson

Compeyson is a con man and Magwitch’s former partner. Unlike Magwitch, Compeyson is educated. He also uses his social stature to manipulate criminals like Magwitch. Miss. Havisham’s love for him proves tragic when he abandons her at the altar.

Bentley Drummle

One of Pip’s arrogant classmates from London, Drummle belongs to a higher social class than Pip. Despite being ungentlemanly, he wins Estella’s hand in marriage.

Molly

Molly, Estella’s biological mother, is a maid at Mr. Jaggers’ residence. This fact is hidden from Pip for most of the novel.