Great Expectations

Text Guides

Character Analysis

Compeyson

Compeyson is another criminal and convict who prior to the beginning of the novel was a partner of Magwitch. Compeyson is described by Dickens to be an educated gentleman invested in a criminal career of “swindling, handwriting forging, [and] stolen bank-note passing” who manipulated control over Magwitch in their shared crimes resulting in the arrest of both men. As the narrative progresses, various revelations lead reader to realise that he is the man who betrayed Miss Havisham, breaking her heart on their wedding day. He is also found to be responsible for the capture of Magwitch towards the latter part of the narrative.

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