Dickens is the best

Great Expectations is a classic, must read book. You'll care about the
wonderful characters.
Philip Pirrip, “Pip," the narrator and main character in Charles Dickens’ novel, Great Expectations was a very interesting man. Pip is living with his cranky sister and her husband, Joe when Dicken’s first introduces this character. Joe was a kind, considerate man. He was fair and honest in his dealings with Pip. Under Joe’s direction, Pip was taught to be friendly, loyal, sincere, and to have high moral values.
The character’s personality appeared formed. Pip was not a rich or important man, but he was a good man. Later in the novel, Pip was asked to entertain Miss Havisham’s adopted daughter, Estella. Pip instantly fell in love with Estella. He was ashamed of his common standing in life and longed to be wealthy. Pip believed money would buy him social status and win Estella’s heart.
Pip’s life changed when an anonymous benefactor provided money and the chance to live and be educated in London. Pip believed his benefactor was Miss Havisham. Pip was certain she had planned for him to marry Estella. In a few days, Pip left his small town with great expectations of a better life in London.
In London, Pip soon lost his childhood values. He became greedy, selfish, and foolish. Pip’s materialistic spirit created uncertainty and enormous debts. His love for Estella had given him a new way to view the world. Pip no longer had high moral values or respect for Joe.
When Joe arrived in London for a visit, the two men talked for only a short time. In that short visit, Pip was able to acknowledge the solid morals and unmistakable dignity of Joe. This common man had impressed Pip. When he searched his soul, Pip realized his own character was lacking. He had not accomplished anything of importance in his life. He thought he would be


happier if he had never seen Miss Havisham and remained business partners with Joe. His great fortune had not brought him any happiness.
Pip’s personality changed once again when the benefactor’s identity was revealed. Pip learned the money and opportunity to live in London was given by Magwitch, a criminal that harassed Pip as a young child. Pip was fearful and didn’t believe Magwitch when he first arrived at Pip’s home. In a few days, Magwitch told Pip many details of his life. He explained his deep hatred for a man named Compeyson. Compeyson had been determined to kill Magwitch. When Pip learned Compeyson was in London, he wanted to help Magwitch escape to safety. Pip had to overcome fear and past situations to help Magwitch. He needed to see Magwitch for who his was and forget the bad things he had done. During the unsuccessful attempted escape, Magwitch killed Compeyson, but was severely injured. Pip felt a responsibility to his benefactor. He stayed with Magwitch in the infirmary. He told him his daughter, Estella, was still alive.
Soon after Magwitch’s death, Pip was arrested for his numerous debts. He was too ill to be put in jail. Joe nursed Pip back to health and paid his debts. Joe encouraged him to again become a man of good character. Joe and Pip spent many hours together talking and enjoying each other’s company. When Pip was fully recovered he left Joe and his new wife, Biddy. Joe’s generosity and kindness in the last chapters of the novel motivated more changes in Pip. He had learned money and status were of little importance if a man did not have good moral values and integrity. Dickens’ character made many mistakes, but was able to become an honorable man.