Who Seth Pecksniff is
Seth Pecksniff is an architect by title, though he rarely designs anything and lives on the fees of his pupils. He presents himself as a man of kindness, tender feelings, and an unusually careful conscience. The comedy comes from the gap between these claims and his readiness to take money, credit, and advantage.
What Seth Pecksniff wants
Pecksniff seeks his own advantage while making his wishes sound like favours to other people. When someone else suffers, he turns the conversation towards his own wounded feelings. His appearance of virtue depends on people who trust his words rather than notice his actions.
Seth Pecksniff and the others in the story
Tom Pinch, his gentle assistant, works too much for too little because he believes Pecksniff is good. That loyalty gives Pecksniff someone to exploit, while showing how easily sincere admiration can serve a hypocrite.
His daughters, Charity and Mercy, also become part of his display of tender fatherhood. He takes young Martin as a pupil partly because he sees a chance to please Old Martin Chuzzlewit.
Questions
Who is Seth Pecksniff?
Seth Pecksniff is an architect who uses moral talk to disguise selfish behaviour.
Is Seth Pecksniff a good person?
No, his claims of goodness hide greed and a habit of exploiting others.
How does Seth Pecksniff treat Tom Pinch?
He takes advantage of Tom's loyalty, keeping him overworked and underpaid.