Charles Dickens Trivia

Charles Dickens was an English novelist who lived from 1812 to 1870. He wrote some of the most famous novels in the English language, including Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, and Great Expectations.

Dickens grew up poor but became extremely successful later in life. His novels often dealt with issues of poverty, injustice, and social reform.

To find out and learn more about this iconic figure, check out our Charles Dickens Trivia quiz questions and answers.

For more quizzes, see our trivia quiz sitemap.

Dickens' Life and Early Works

• What year was Charles Dickens born?
  Answer: 1812.
• In which English city was Charles Dickens born?
  Answer: Portsmouth.
• What was the title of Charles Dickens' first novel, published in 1836?
  Answer: "The Pickwick Papers."
• Under what pseudonym did Dickens publish "The Pickwick Papers"?
  Answer: Boz.
• Which Dickens novel was inspired by his own experiences working in a blacking factory as a child?
  Answer: "David Copperfield."
• In which year was "Oliver Twist" first published?
  Answer: 1837.
• Which Dickens novel features the character of Fagin, a cunning and manipulative criminal leader?
  Answer: "Oliver Twist."
• What was the title of Dickens' first historical novel, published in 1859?
  Answer: "A Tale of Two Cities."
• In which novel does the character of Ebenezer Scrooge appear?
  Answer: "A Christmas Carol."
• Which Dickens novel depicts the life and struggles of the young protagonist Pip?
  Answer: "Great Expectations."

Notable Characters in Dickens' Works

• In "A Christmas Carol," who is the ghost that shows Scrooge his past Christmases?
  Answer: The Ghost of Christmas Past.
• What is the name of the orphaned protagonist in "Oliver Twist"?
  Answer: Oliver Twist.
• In "A Tale of Two Cities," who famously sacrifices himself by saying, "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done"?
  Answer: Sydney Carton.
• In "David Copperfield," what is the name of David's cruel stepfather?
  Answer: Edward Murdstone.
• Who is the greedy and miserly character in "A Christmas Carol" who undergoes a transformation after being visited by three spirits?
  Answer: Ebenezer Scrooge.
• In "Bleak House," who is the kind and self-sacrificing young woman who serves as a central figure in the story?
  Answer: Esther Summerson.
• In "Nicholas Nickleby," who is the abusive and tyrannical headmaster of Dotheboys Hall?
  Answer: Wackford Squeers.
• Who is the long-lost daughter of Mr. Dombey in "Dombey and Son"?
  Answer: Florence Dombey.
• In "Our Mutual Friend," who is the mysterious and imposing figure known as "The Harmon Murderer"?
  Answer: John Rokesmith (aka John Harmon).
• Who is the ill-fated Miss Havisham's adopted daughter in "Great Expectations"?
  Answer: Estella.

Dickens' Literary Legacy

• Which Charles Dickens novel has the famous opening line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"?
  Answer: "A Tale of Two Cities."
• Which novel by Dickens features the character of Miss Havisham, who wears her wedding dress forever and lives in a decaying mansion?
  Answer: "Great Expectations."
• What is the name of the philanthropic institution in "Little Dorrit"?
  Answer: The Marshalsea debtor's prison.
• In which novel does the character of the pickpocketing Artful Dodger appear?
  Answer: "Oliver Twist."
• Which Dickens novel features the character of Thomas Gradgrind, who advocates for utilitarianism and suppresses imagination?
  Answer: "Hard Times."
• What is the name of the boat that features prominently in "The Old Curiosity Shop"?
  Answer: The Maypole.
• Which novel by Dickens tells the story of the young orphan Nicholas Nickleby and his adventures?
  Answer: "Nicholas Nickleby."
• Which Dickens novel depicts the plight of child laborers in 19th-century London?
  Answer: "Hard Times."
• In which novel does the character of Uriah Heep, a slimy and manipulative clerk, appear?
  Answer: "David Copperfield."
• Which novel by Dickens explores the themes of social injustice and the plight of the poor in Victorian London?
  Answer: "Bleak House."

Adaptations and Pop Culture References

• Which well-known musical is based on Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist"?
  Answer: "Oliver!"
• Which iconic character from Charles Dickens' works has been portrayed by actors such as Alastair Sim, Michael Caine, and Jim Carrey?
  Answer: Ebenezer Scrooge.
• Which Disney character, featured in a 1996 animated film, shares the name with a Dickens character?
  Answer: Oliver (from "Oliver & Company").
• In the film "The Muppet Christmas Carol," which Muppet plays the role of Charles Dickens?
  Answer: Gonzo the Great.
• Which modern television series is loosely based on the characters and settings from Charles Dickens' works?
  Answer: "Dickensian."
• In the novel "Great Expectations," what is the name of Miss Havisham's adopted daughter in Estella's revenge?
  Answer: Vanesa.
• In the novel "Great Expectations," who is the real benefactor of Pip's expectations?
  Answer: Magwitch.
• In the novel "Great Expectations," who does Pip ultimately marry?
  Answer: Estella.
• In the novel "Great Expectations," where does Miss Havisham meet her demise?
  Answer: In her own fire.
• In the novel "Great Expectations," who is Pip's loyal friend throughout the story?
  Answer: Herbert Pocket.

Dickens' Impact on Literature

• What literary device did Charles Dickens popularize through his vivid and memorable character descriptions?
  Answer: Characterization.
• What is the name of the fictional town in which many of Dickens' novels are set?
  Answer: London.
• What social issues did Dickens often address in his works?
  Answer: Poverty, social inequality, and the plight of the working class.
• What was the name of the weekly periodical founded and edited by Charles Dickens?
  Answer: "Household Words."
• Which Dickens novel was published in monthly installments?
  Answer: Most of his novels, including "Bleak House," "Little Dorrit," and "Great Expectations."
• Which famous author and close friend of Charles Dickens co-wrote the play "No Thoroughfare"?
  Answer: Wilkie Collins.
• What is the title of the unfinished novel by Dickens that was published posthumously?
  Answer: "The Mystery of Edwin Drood."
• Which prominent American writer was greatly influenced by the works of Charles Dickens?
  Answer: Mark Twain.
• What term is used to describe the social and economic conditions depicted in Dickens' novels?
  Answer: Dickensian.
• What is the name of the charitable organization founded by Dickens to help impoverished children?
  Answer: Urania Cottage.

Conclusion on Charles Dickens Trivia

Charles Dickens's literary legacy is an enduring testament to his storytelling prowess and his insightful depiction of Victorian society. His novels continue to resonate with readers of all ages, shedding light on social injustices and exploring the complexities of human nature.