A Christmas Carol characters
by Charles Dickens, 1843
The main characters of A Christmas Carol, who they are and what they do in the story.
Ebenezer Scrooge
protagonistScrooge is a miserly and cold-hearted old man who despises Christmas and human compassion. Through the visits of three spirits, he transforms into a kind and generous person.
Jacob Marley
supportingMarley is the ghost of Scrooge's former business partner. He warns Scrooge to change his ways to avoid a miserable afterlife like his own.
Bob Cratchit
supportingBob is Scrooge's underpaid and overworked clerk. Despite his hardships, he remains cheerful and devoted to his family, including his sick son, Tiny Tim.
Tiny Tim
supportingTiny Tim is Bob Cratchit's youngest son, who is frail and ill. His optimistic spirit and famous line, 'God bless us, every one!' highlight the story's themes of hope and compassion.
Fred
supportingFred is Scrooge's cheerful and kind-hearted nephew, who invites Scrooge to Christmas dinner every year, despite being repeatedly rejected.
Ghost of Christmas Past
supportingThis spirit shows Scrooge scenes from his own past, revealing how he became the man he is today.
Ghost of Christmas Present
supportingThis spirit shows Scrooge the current joys and hardships of people celebrating Christmas, including the Cratchit family.
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
supportingThis silent and ominous spirit shows Scrooge a bleak future if he does not change his ways.
Meet them in the book
Read A Christmas Carol free on the 12-month plan, with a tracker, tap-to-translate vocabulary and a quiz at the end.