A Dickensian Who's Who Trivia Quiz

Answer: Great Expectations

In "Great Expectations", the character known as Pip (his real name being Philip Pirrip) is introduced to the reader as a young orphan in the care of his apathetic sister, Mrs. Joe. As the protagonist, we get to watch Pip mature and grow into a passionate and sympathetic character who is always trying to better himself.

Answer: Great Expectations

Miss Havisham, jilted by her husband-to-be, wears her wedding dress as if in sad defiance of that day. Though she is technically only in her late thirties in the book, her character is often portrayed as an older woman in other media. Miss Havisham uses younger women and their relationships as a means of getting some imagined revenge against her ex-fiancé.

Answer: Great Expectations

Abel Magwitch first encounters Pip in a cemetery when the orphan boy was quite young. After being helped by Pip, Magwitch grows wealthy and becomes his secret benefactor, helping the boy grow as his life continues on.

Answer: A Tale of Two Cities

Charles Darnay is put on trial in Great Britain for the crime of treason, charges brought forward by two British spies eager to see the man brought to justice. He is rightfully acquitted of the charges due to him appearing similar to another man, bringing doubt into his trial. Darnay is portrayed as a character of virtue throughout the book.

Answer: A Tale of Two Cities

The eventual wife of the protagonist Charles Darnay, Lucie Manette draws the attention of both him and barrister Sydney Carton, who is an alcoholic. Lucie's devotion to her father is what leads Darnay to fall in love with her, and eventually she chooses him over the other man, though she inspires Carton to become a hero in his own right.

Answer: A Tale of Two Cities

A "tricoteuse", or a French woman who knitted during the French Revolution, Madame Defarge spends her time deciding which people in her life ought to die for the revolution's cause. Typically portrayed as an antagonist, Defarge's desire to find revenge stems from the rape of her sister under the watch of a set of aristocratic brothers.

Answer: Oliver Twist

A man who is eager to stay out of the spotlight when it comes to committing the crimes himself, Fagin often convinced children and other criminals to pickpocket and steal in his stead. In the end, he is hanged for his crimes. Fagin's role in Charles Dickens' book is one of controversy, considering the character was said to have been based on Jewish stereotypes of the time.

Answer: Oliver Twist

Nancy might be one of the noblest characters of the novel, though she is a drinker, former pickpocket, and young prostitute. Unfortunately, her good moral compass doesn't stop her from getting murdered by her lover, the criminal Bill Sikes, in an attempt to help Oliver.

Answer: Oliver Twist

Mr. Bumble helps run the workhouse where Oliver finds himself, though as a minor member of the church, he shows very little compassion for those under his control. In the end, he is humiliated by his future wife after he attempts to show authority as master of the workhouse.

Answer: David Copperfield

Agnes Wickfield is the longtime friend of David Copperfield, meeting during his school-years. Over his lifetime, she gives him indispensable advice, eventually marrying him after his first marriage ends. Her love for him had been hidden for years until the oblivious protagonist finally realized he loved her back.

Answer: David Copperfield

A school friend of David Copperfield, James Steerforth has the incredible ability to charm any man or woman he comes across, though he usually feels contempt for those he charms. Steerforth eventually seduces Emily, an engaged woman, and the two flee to continental Europe. This causes a huge scandal back home, with several families reeling in the aftermath.

Answer: David Copperfield

Uriah Heep, employed by Mr. Wickfield, tricks the man by feeding him alcohol and then convincing him that he committed financial wrongdoing while under the influence. This leads to Wickfield being blackmailed by Heep into becoming partner. Heep also attempts to marry the man's daughter, but Agnes isn't at all taken in by the two-faced clerk.