Match the Dickens Characters Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Pickwick Papers

'The Pickwick Papers' was originally written in instalments, with the first published in March 1836 and the final part in November 1837. The story covers a series of 'adventures' which befall the various members of the Pickwick Club. Apart from those already mentioned, the other characters include Samuel Pickwick, chairman of the club, Nathaniel Winkle and Tracy Tupman.

Answer: Hard Times

Coming out in 1854, the novel was the tenth to be published. It concentrates on the Gradgrind family, with Thomas Grandgrind being determined to stick only to 'facts' and the practicalities of life, with no room for love or emotion of any kind. His rigidity ruins the lives of both his daughter, Louisa, married to Josiah Bounderby, a man of her father's age, and his son, Tom. Stephen Blackpool works in Bounderby's mill until he is sacked after being falsely accused of robbery.

Answer: Bleak House

'Bleak House' appeared in serial form between March 1852 and September 1853. At the centre of the novel is a legal case, Jarndyce and Jarndyce, relating to differing versions of a will, the costs of which swallow up the whole value of the estate. John Jarndyce is one of the parties to the case while Lady Dedlock is a married woman with a guilty secret. Krook, meanwhile, meets one of the more unusual deaths ever described in literature.

Answer: Barnaby Rudge

The fifth of Dickens's novels to be published, 'Barnaby Rudge' is set during the time of the Gordon Riots which took place in 1780. Grip is a raven owned by the titular character, and is cited as inspiring Edgar Allen Poe to write his poem entitled 'The Raven'.

The novel includes scenes featuring Lord George Gordon, a real life character whose name was given to the riots, which related to religious discrimination.

Answer: Our Mutual Friend

'Our Mutual Friend' was published in book form in 1865, having previously been issued in serial form, and was the final novel to be completed by Dickens. The story opens with the discovery of a body in the river Thames, which is identified as being that of John Harmon. Bradley Headstone is a school teacher, who becomes obsessed with Lizzie Hexam, the sister of one of his pupils.

His rejection turns him into what we would nowadays call a stalker.

Answer: Oliver Twist

With a secondary title of 'The Parish Boy's Progress', 'Oliver Twist' was the second novel to be published, serialised from 1837 until 1839. One of the best known of the author's books, the image of Oliver asking for more gruel is one many of us will recognise. Mr Bumble is the beadle in charge of the workhouse, while Jack Dawkins is better known as the Artful Dodger. Mr Brownlow is the benefactor who saves Oliver.

Other characters, too well known to be given as clues, are Fagin, Nancy and Bill Sikes.

Answer: Martin Chuzzlewit

The serialisation of this novel dates from 1842 until 1844. The reception was initially unfavourable, prompting Dickens to amend the plot and include a visit by the hero to America, which Dickens himself had recently visited. Martin Chuzzlewit begins the story as a selfish young man, who has to learn the error of his ways. Seth Pecksniff is a hypocrite and cheat, passing off the work of others as his own, while Tom Pinch is a former architectural student of Pecksniff's. Mrs Gamp is an unqualified nurse and midwife, rather fond of alcohol, and always carrying an umbrella, leading to her name being used as a slang term for the item.

Answer: Great Expectations

The novel was published in book form in 1861, after the usual magazine serialisation. The characters from 'Great Expectations' are among the most recognisable from the works of Dickens. They include Pip (Philip) Pirrip, Miss Havisham, who has worn her wedding dress ever since being jilted and Magwitch, the convict who plays a large role in Pip's life. Joe Gargery is married to Pip's sister, while Estella, with whom Pip fancies himself to be in love, is the ward of Miss Havisham. Mr Jaggers is a lawyer who acts for many of the main characters, whichever side of the law they happen to find themselves.

Answer: Nicholas Nickleby

The story of 'Nicholas Nickleby' was told by instalments between March 1838 and 1839, and related the horrors of Dotheboys Hall Boarding School, run by Wackford Squeers. The mistreatment of the boys in his supposed care was based on a real life case discovered by Dickens during a visit to Yorkshire. Nicholas is working at Dotheboy Hall as a teacher, but leaves, taking the former pupil, and now assistant (but just as badly treated) to Squeers, with him.

They end up working for the much kinder Cheeryble twins, Charles and Ned.

Answer: David Copperfield

Considered by many people to be semi-autobiographical, Dickens himself described 'David Copperfield' as his 'favourite child'. The book version was published in 1850 and describes the life of the title character from childhood to maturity. The characters in the clue are Barkis, the man who agrees to marry Peggotty, the Copperfield's housekeeper, with the immortal line 'Barkis is willing', while James Steerforth is David's best friend, but of weak moral character, which leads to his downfall. Dora Spenlow is Copperfield's first wife, a childish and childlike woman.