A Christmas Carol: who's who, timeline and places

Scrooge rejects his nephew’s Christmas dinner invitation and threatens his clerk for applauding him.

Scrooge refuses requests for charitable donations and frightens away a young carol singer.

Scrooge grudgingly grants his clerk Christmas Day off and later eats alone.

Jacob Marley appears, describes his punishment for neglecting others, and announces three spirit visits.

The Ghost of Christmas Past arrives and takes Scrooge into memories of his earlier life.

Scrooge weeps over his lonely younger self at school and wishes he had rewarded the carol singer.

Fan brings her brother home, and the Spirit reminds Scrooge that her child is his nephew.

Memories of Fezziwig’s generosity and his separation from Belle stir Scrooge’s grief and regret.

Scrooge resists the painful lesson, presses down the Spirit’s cap, and returns to bed.

Scrooge welcomes instruction from the Ghost of Christmas Present, who blesses poor people’s dinners.

Scrooge watches the Cratchits’ loving meal and learns that Tiny Tim faces death unless circumstances change.

The Spirit shows Christmas fellowship among miners, lighthouse keepers, and sailors far from home.

Scrooge enjoys Fred’s gathering, while Ignorance and Want expose the cruelty of his own words.

A silent spirit leads Scrooge to businessmen discussing a death with indifference.

At old Joe’s shop, three people sell belongings stolen from the dead man.

Scrooge sees an unattended corpse and a household relieved by its harsh creditor’s death.

Scrooge witnesses the Cratchits mourning Tiny Tim.

His own gravestone identifies the abandoned dead man, and Scrooge begs for a chance to change.

Scrooge wakes joyfully on Christmas Day and arranges to send Bob Cratchit a huge turkey anonymously.

Scrooge promises a generous payment to the gentleman, attends church, and joins Fred for dinner.

Scrooge raises Bob’s pay, supports his family, and becomes a caring presence in Tiny Tim’s life.