A DICKENSIAN CHARACTER:

Try to use all or most of the following in creating your character. your post should be on your blog before the end of today's class.

• A Dickensian name, with a dramatic/an unusual entrance into the story.

Alfred Collins. Pip arrives in his home town to attend the funeral of Mrs. Joe. On his way back from London, he meets the carriage driver, Alfred. He then invites this fellow to the funeral. During the funeral, he finds Alfred taking food from a table. He questions him and finds out about Alfred’s past. Alfred then joins him on his journey and Alfred’s cheery attitudes keep Pip’s spirits high.

• Definition of the character by negation (e.g. she was not a beautiful woman)

Alfred is not rich, nor does he have a spouse. Alfred does not have any siblings. Alfred’s parents are not alive. Alfred does not have blond, brown, or red hair. Alfred does not wear glasses. Alfred is neither tall nor short. Alfred is not very clean.

• Reputation of character and a possible disparity between reputation and reality.

He is known for being extremely poor. However, he used to be a lawyer, however, Jaggers destroyed his business and he was left with nothing. People assume that he is dumb but he is actually very intelligent, however, he does not have the charisma that Jaggers has and lawyers need. Yet anybody that knows him will describe him as clever and kind-hearted.

• Physical description of character, features of dress

Alfred is average height. He always wears the same clothes because he has nothing else to wear. Alfred is quite scruffy, his beard is longer than it should be and his hair is quite messy. He seems unkempt but that is one of his quirks. He always jumps from one thing to another and he claims that he has no time to care about his own appearance.

• A characteristic mannerism that would make this character more interesting.

He get easily distracted, he also likes to go on long rants that often digress from its original topic. This is because he becomes fascinated with new things very quickly but he also loses interest at the same rate. Therefore, he is very spontaneous and never predictable.

• The circumstances under which Pip comes across this character.

Pip comes across him when he first goes back into town. Then enjoys his presence and invites him to Mrs. Joe’s funeral. Pip does not find him there and seems disappointed. However, later, he finds him taking food from the funeral and confronts him.

• A dialogue between Pip and your character.

I approached the familiar cemetery before joining them for the funeral ceremony.
“Hello there.” I heard a scruffy voice behind me.
“How do you do?” I replied, a little startled at another presence.
“Seems like you need a ride into town,” the man’s voice was eager, he spoke quickly.
“Oh, well indeed I do”
“I might be of assistance,” he said, motioning toward his carriage. His features were earnest and seemed trustworthy.
“Well, thank you very much, I’m actually on my way to my sister’s funeral. Would you like to join me?" I inquired.