The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby

Main Characters and Their Development

• Nicholas Nickleby - the protagonist of the novel, a young man who must care for his family after his father's death. Nicholas faces numerous trials, encountering injustice and cruelty, but maintains his integrity and kindness. Ultimately, he finds his place in life and achieves happiness.
• Kate Nickleby - Nicholas's sister, a beautiful and kind-hearted girl. She also faces difficulties and injustice but remains true to her principles. Kate finds support in her brother and eventually finds her own happiness.
• Ralph Nickleby - Nicholas and Kate's uncle, a cruel and greedy man. He tries to exploit his nephews for his own gain, but his villainy ultimately leads to his downfall.
• Smike - Nicholas's friend and companion, a young man who suffers from mistreatment at the boarding school. Nicholas rescues him, and Smike becomes a loyal friend. His fate is tragic, but he finds solace in his friendship with Nicholas.
• Madame Mantalini - the owner of a fashionable dress shop where Kate works. She is eccentric and capricious but ultimately kind and helps Kate.
• Frank Cheeryble - a young man who falls in love with Kate. He is kind and honest, and they eventually marry.
• The Cheeryble Brothers - twins, kind and generous businessmen who help Nicholas and his family. They symbolize kindness and justice in the novel.