Bob Cratchit Character Profile

Need to revise Bob Cratchit from A Christmas Carol? This fact file gives you a full breakdown of his character, key quotes, themes, and why he matters—perfect for your GCSE exam prep. Want full exemplar essays, deeper analysis, and quote banks? Grab our A Christmas Carol Cheat Sheet now on the JP Tutors Hub products page.

 

Bob Cratchit: Character Summary

Bob Cratchit is Scrooge’s poor but kind-hearted employee. He represents the working-class Victorian man—hard-working, underpaid, yet remarkably optimistic and family-oriented.

• Kind – Warm-hearted and patient, even when mistreated
• Loyal – Continues working for Scrooge despite poor treatment
  
• Loving Father – Deeply devoted to his family, especially Tiny Tim
  
• Symbol of Hope – Shows that poverty doesn’t erase dignity or morality
  
• Morally Superior – Contrasts with Scrooge's coldness

Dickens uses Cratchit to show the dignity and resilience of the poor, while exposing the cruelty of Victorian capitalism.

 

Does Bob Cratchit Change?

Bob doesn’t undergo a character transformation himself, but his impact on Scrooge is huge. He serves as:

• A mirror to Scrooge’s cruelty
• A catalyst for change—especially through his son Tiny Tim
  
• A voice of forgiveness and kindness, even toward Scrooge

His unchanged moral goodness contrasts with Scrooge’s dramatic transformation.

 

Why Is Bob Cratchit Important?

 

• Symbol of Working-Class Struggle – Lives in poverty but remains generous, loving, and grateful.
• Contrast with Scrooge – While Scrooge is rich but miserable, Cratchit is poor but joyful and surrounded by love.
• Social Commentary – Dickens uses him to show that the poor deserve respect, fair treatment, and living wages.
• Humanises Poverty – Reminds the reader that every struggling worker is a person with a family, dreams, and values.

 

 

Key Vocabulary to Describe Bob Cratchit

Add these to your Grade 9 vocabulary bank:

• Subservient – Accepts lower status without rebellion
• Compassionate – Deeply caring and kind-hearted
• Resilient – Stays strong despite poverty
• Affectionate – Shows deep love for his children and wife
• Grateful – Appreciates even the smallest joys in life

 

3 Key Quotes + Analysis

1. “My little, little child!” (Stave 4)

• Analysis: Bob's grief over Tiny Tim’s imagined death shows his deep paternal love. The repetition of “little” adds emotional vulnerability.
• Link to themes: Family, Love, Suffering

 

2. “I’ll give you Mr Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!” (Stave 3)

• Analysis: Despite being exploited, Bob still toasts Scrooge. This highlights his generosity and loyalty, even to someone who doesn't deserve it.
• Link to themes: Forgiveness, Christian Values, Class Divide

 

3. “They were not a handsome family...but they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another.” (Stave 3)

• Analysis: Dickens idealises the Cratchits to celebrate warmth over wealth. Their love and gratitude stand in direct contrast to Scrooge’s lonely life.
• Link to themes: Family, Poverty, Joy

 

Want Full Notes, Grade 9 Essays & More Quotes?

This is just a snippet of our A Christmas Carol Cheat Sheet, which includes:
✅ Full character profiles for Scrooge, the Ghosts, Cratchits & more
✅ Grade 9 exemplar essays with examiner-style commentary
✅ Complete theme breakdowns (Poverty, Redemption, Class, etc.)
✅ 50+ top quotes with high-level analysis

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P.S. Struggling with analysis or quotes? Our text-specific cheat sheets break down An Inspector Calls, A Christmas Carol, and more into Grade 9-ready notes.

 

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