A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol Character List

Ebenezer Scrooge

The protagonist, Scrooge is a cold, miserly creditor whose redemption to kindness and selflessness forms the arc of A Christmas Carol. Scrooge represents the Victorian rich who neglect the poor and think only of their own well-being. The most motivation Dickens provides for Scrooge's character is his depiction of him as a young boy; neglected by his peers and, it appears, by his father, the young Scrooge seemed determined to live only for himself as he aged.

Bob Cratchit

Cratchit is Scrooge's overworked employee, a timid man afraid to stand up to his boss's demanding ways. The patriarch of a family poor in wealth but rich in love, he cares especially dearly for his crippled son, Tiny Tim. Cratchit is a symbol for the Victorian poor, good-hearted and hard-working but unable to climb out the stifling conditions of poverty.

Ghost of Christmas Past

The first ghost to visit Scrooge, the small, elderly figure represents memory.

Ghost of Christmas Present

A giant clad in robes, this ghost has 1800 brothers and a life span of one day. He represents celebration and charity.

Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come

This solemn, silent phantom represents death, but also the presents the possibility that the future is not determined, but open to the free will of humans.

Fred

Scrooge's nephew, Fred embodies the jollity and sharing of Christmas. He refuses to let Scrooge's "Bah! Humbug!" attitude bring him down, and is overjoyed when his uncle converts and attends his party.

Tiny Tim

Cratchit's crippled son, Tiny Tim represents the overwhelming goodness of the Christmas spirit.

Jacob Marley

Scrooge's old partner, Marley appears to Scrooge as a ghost and warns him about the dangers of being obsessed with money.

Fezziwig

The young Scrooge's jolly, selfless boss.

Belle

Scrooge's former girlfriend, she breaks up with him because of his greed.

Fan

Scrooge's younger sister.