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From "The Old Curiosity Shop" by Dickens, Charles
Richard Swiveller
A carefree and often inebriated clerk with a good heart.
Core Belief
"Friendship and conviviality are the most important things in life."
Worldview
Swiveller views the world through a romantic and somewhat whimsical lens, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. He seeks escape from his troubles in drink and theatricality, but ultimately learns the value of genuine connection and responsibility.
Personality
Swiveller is a jovial and theatrical character, prone to quoting literature and indulging in drink. Despite his flaws, he possesses a kind heart and a genuine capacity for friendship, ultimately redeeming himself through acts of kindness and loyalty.
In Their Own Words
"‘Fred,’ said Mr Swiveller, ‘remember the once popular melody of Begone dull care; fan the sinking flame of hilarity with the wing of friendship; and pass the rosy wine.’"
"‘What,’ said Mr Swiveller with a sigh, ‘what is the odds so long as the fire of soul is kindled at the taper of conwiviality, and the wing of friendship never moults a feather! What is the odds so long as the spirit is expanded by means of rosy wine, and the present moment is the least happiest of our existence!’"
"‘Sir,’ replied Mr Swiveller, ‘don’t you interrupt the chair. Gentlemen, how does the case stand, upon the present occasion? Here is a jolly old grandfather--I say it with the utmost respect--and here is a wild, young grandson. The jolly old grandfather says to the wild young grandson, “I have brought you up and educated you, Fred; I have put you in the way of getting on in life; you have bolted a little out of course, as young fellows often do; and you shall never have another chance, nor the ghost of half a one.” The wild young grandson makes answer to this and says, “You’re as rich as rich can be; you have been at no uncommon expense on my account, you’re saving up piles of money for my little sister that lives with you in a secret, stealthy, hugger-muggering kind of way and with no manner of enjoyment--why can’t you stand a trifle for your grown-up relation?”’"
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