Bartleby, the Scrivener

Plot

Characters

Narrator/ The Lawyer

The Lawyer was the unknown narrator of "Bartleby the Scrivener." He has his own law firm located on Wall Street. He employed four men at his law firm who were: Turkey, Nippers, Ginger Nut, and Bartleby. He is level-headed and has a good mind for good business. He is also good when it comes to customer service.

Bartleby

Bartleby is a young man was was hired by there Lawyer ton serve as a scrivener, or law-copyist. He starts as a excellent copyist, but when asked to examine his work for errors, he replies that he "would prefer not too." Bartleby soon answers anything he is asked too do with "I would prefer not too," and he slowly drives the lawyer and his fellow scriveners crazy.

Turkey

Turkey is the oldest employee of the Lawyer in "Bartleby the Scrivener." He was a good worker in the morning but when it came to the afternoon he would get flushed in the face and has a short temper. He makes more mistakes in the afternoon that takes a way from his outstanding work he does in the morning.

Nippers

At midday, a young scrivener in The Lawyer's office executes a sort of changing of the guard with Turkey. Nippers is only useful after lunch because he has what The Lawyer refers to as "indigestion," which could be a drug habit that The Lawyer is unaware of. Nippers' real name is never revealed, as The Lawyer only refers to him by his nickname.

The Other Lawyer

This lawyer enters the story after The Lawyer has switched offices in order to get away from Bartleby. This second lawyer notifies The Lawyer (who narrates the story) that Bartleby hasn't left his old office and threatens to call the cops to take him away unless The Lawyer intervenes.

Major themes

Development History

Explanation of Work's Title

Literary Significance and Reception

Awards and Nominations

Adaptations

Citations

Works Cited

External Links