Little Dorrit: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in Little Dorrit, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- Monsieur RigaudA prisoner in Marseilles awaiting trial over his wife's death, who insists on his gentility.First seen in chapter 1
- John Baptist CavallettoRigaud's fellow prisoner, who serves him and accepts small gifts.First seen in chapter 1
- Arthur ClennamA traveler with harsh parents, unwanted work in China, and no clear purpose.First seen in chapter 2
- Mr. MeaglesA traveler who shares his family history with Clennam before their quarantine ends.First seen in chapter 2
- Mrs. ClennamArthur's stern mother, whose religious habits and gloomy London home revive his childhood fears.First seen in chapter 3
- Affery FlintwinchA woman in Mrs. Clennam's household who urges Arthur not to fear its rulers.First seen in chapter 3
- Jeremiah FlintwinchA man who violently shakes Affery and dismisses her strange nighttime experience as a dream.First seen in chapter 4
- Little DorritA woman whose life draws Arthur Clennam's curiosity after he leaves the family business.First seen in chapter 5
- Mr DorritA debtor whose family joins him in the Marshalsea, where he takes pride in his standing.First seen in chapter 6
- FannyA member of Amy's family for whom Amy secures dancing lessons.First seen in chapter 7
- DoyceAn inventor whose efforts to gain official support meet resistance.First seen in chapter 10
- PancksA man Arthur suspects supplies the energy behind Casby's benevolent appearance.First seen in chapter 13
- FloraArthur's youthful love, whose chatter unsettles his cherished memories despite her affection and kindness.First seen in chapter 13
- Mr MerdleA wealthy host whose influential dinner guests seek political support, investments, and donations.First seen in chapter 21
- Chapter 1
Rigaud leaves his prison cell to face trial over his wife's death.
- Chapter 3
Arthur returns to his mother's gloomy London house, where familiar routines revive childhood fears.
- Chapter 7
Amy supports her family through needlework and conceals their earnings to protect her father's pride.
- Chapter 8
Arthur visits the Marshalsea and discovers Amy's sacrifices for her father.
- Chapter 10
Arthur seeks information about Dorrit's public debt, but the Circumlocution Office offers evasions instead of answers.
- Chapter 18
Little Dorrit refuses John Chivery's courtship and asks him to respect her solitude.
- Chapter 23
Arthur becomes Doyce's business partner, while Pancks begins a private inquiry into Little Dorrit's family.
- Chapter 27
Tattycoram leaves the Meagles household and refuses appeals to return after they find her with Miss Wade.
- Chapter 34
Henry Gowan marries Pet, leaving her parents and Arthur facing an empty house.
- Chapter 35
Pancks establishes Mr Dorrit's inheritance, and Arthur brings the news to Little Dorrit and her father.
- Chapter 36
The wealthy Dorrit family leaves the Marshalsea, but Arthur must carry Amy out unconscious.
- Chapter 39
The Dorrits continue to Venice, where Amy misses caring for her father and remains attached to prison memories.
- Chapter 46
Arthur finds Blandois visiting his mother, who refuses to explain their business.
- Chapter 49
Pancks urges Arthur to invest with Merdle after revealing his own investment.
- Chapter 51
Fanny marries Sparkler and leaves Rome, while Amy remains troubled by her father's expectations.
- Chapter 55
Mr Dorrit mistakes a dinner for a Marshalsea gathering, then dies; Frederick dies beside his brother's bed.
- Chapter 58
Doyce leaves for engineering work abroad, and Cavalletto identifies Blandois as Rigaud.
- Chapter 61
Merdle dies by suicide, and discoveries of forgery and theft expose the threat of widespread financial ruin.
- Chapter 62
Arthur accepts sole responsibility for his firm's losses and enters the Marshalsea.
- Chapter 65
Little Dorrit nurses Arthur and offers him her fortune, but he refuses despite admitting his love.
- Chapter 66
Rigaud demands money for compromising papers, and Mrs. Clennam admits she is not Arthur's mother.
- Chapter 67
Little Dorrit forgives Mrs. Clennam, whose house then collapses, killing the foreigner and leaving her unable to move or speak.
- Chapter 69
Tattycoram returns the missing papers and rejoins the Meagles family, while Mr Meagles decides to fetch Doyce.
- Chapter 70
Little Dorrit reveals her lost fortune, Doyce resolves Arthur's business troubles, and Arthur and Little Dorrit leave prison to marry.
Hidden until you have read that far.
- MarshalseaA prison where a debtor's family joins him and his youngest daughter is born.First seen in chapter 6
- Circumlocution OfficeA government department whose officials evade Arthur's questions and obstruct useful action.First seen in chapter 10
- Bleeding Heart YardA poor neighborhood where the Plornishes live and workers struggle to find employment.First seen in chapter 12
- VeniceA destination where the wealthy Dorrit family enjoys ceremony and social pleasure.First seen in chapter 39

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