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A character in A Christmas Carol

Who is Bob Cratchit?

By the Library of Alexandria · 2 minute read · Updated 23 Oct 2026

In short

  • Bob Cratchit is Scrooge's poorly paid clerk in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
  • He works in a cold office, where Scrooge keeps tight control over the coal.
  • A gentle, loyal father, he keeps his good humor and hopes for a decent Christmas dinner.

Who Bob Cratchit is

Bob Cratchit copies letters at a low desk in Scrooge's gloomy London counting house. His employer allows him only a tiny fire and threatens to dismiss him if he takes more coal. Bob wraps his scarf around his neck and tries to warm himself at a candle.

What Bob Cratchit wants

Bob hopes for a decent Christmas dinner, while his small wages leave his family with little to spare. At home, his children gather around a goose that must feed the whole family. Their celebration gives Scrooge a glimpse of warmth and pleasure in a household with little money.

Bob Cratchit and the others in the story

Bob's loyalty to Scrooge appears when he raises a Christmas toast to his employer. His wife agrees to drink it only for Bob's sake, making her feelings about Scrooge clear.

Tiny Tim, Bob's youngest child, is a cheerful boy who walks with a crutch and brings joy to his family. When the Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge to their home, Scrooge begins to show concern for Tim.

Questions

Who is Bob Cratchit?

Bob Cratchit is the clerk who works for Ebenezer Scrooge and supports his family on small wages.

How much does Bob Cratchit earn?

Bob earns fifteen shillings a week working in Scrooge's counting house.

Is Bob Cratchit Tiny Tim's father?

Yes, Bob is Tiny Tim's father. Tim is his youngest child, and his cheerfulness brings happiness to the family.

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