Thanks, Don, that's interesting. One of my reasons for this not being on of my favourite Dickens novel (but that still puts it WAY above most other authors
) is that I find "little Nell" to just be "too good". Mind you, I think it's true to say in general that Dickens' "bad" characters are often more interesting people than his heroes. Given a choice between a "night on the town" with Oliver Twist or with Fagin, I'd go with Fagin every time! I'm not saying that's universally true - not sure I'd fancy a night out with Uriah Heep
.