The story in one page
When Nicholas Nickleby’s father dies penniless, he appeals to his miserly uncle, Ralph. Ralph ships Nicholas off to Dotheboys Hall, a boarding school where students are starved and mistreated by the brutal Wackford Squeers. After rescuing a boy named Smike from the school, Nicholas navigates the London theater world and eventually secures a position with the kind, wealthy Cheeryble brothers. As Nicholas builds a stable life, he must constantly thwart his uncle’s relentless attempts to ruin his sister Kate and destroy his reputation. The conflict concludes with the total collapse of Ralph’s malicious schemes and a quiet, peaceful life for the surviving Nickleby family.
Who's who
- Nicholas Nickleby
Young man supporting his mother and sister against corrupt relatives.
- Ralph Nickleby
Nicholas’s ruthless uncle who prioritizes money over his own family.
- Smike
An abused student from Dotheboys Hall rescued by Nicholas.
- Wackford Squeers
A cruel schoolmaster profiting from the neglect of young boys.
- The Cheeryble Brothers
Generous merchants who provide Nicholas with genuine career opportunities.
What it's really about
- Social Injustice
- State neglect creates brutal, unregulated private school environments.
- Familial Greed
- Wealth accumulation often leads to profound moral corruption.
Why it's memorable
- Nicholas carrying an infant upside down while fleeing a domestic mishap.
- The tiny, light footprints of children visiting a small, neglected grave.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Ralph dies intestate, leaving his wealth to the state, while Nicholas flourishes as a merchant. The family honors the memory of the dead boy with fresh flowers laid by the next generation.
For your book club
- Why do the characters feel compelled to reject inheritance money from a villain?
- How does the theater troupe highlight the absurdity of the business world?