Characters

Today I am officially done 100 pages of this 600 page book, Great Expectations. So far it is the story of a young boy, named Pip, living day by day in the 1800's. Pip was 'raised by hand' by an abusive sister, Mrs. Joe, and her understanding husband, Joe. Come Christmas dinner we meet the people that bond and pass the time with his sister.
Uncle Pumblechook is suddenly introduced in this scene, a character who is regarded as a proper gentlemen, who fears higher power, and who bends over backwards to gain appreciation from those above him. He displays this at Christmas by giving Mrs. Joe a bottle of wine, but the minute that a general arrives, he takes back the gift and eagerly gives it to him.This is also proven when he orders his nephew to spend time with Mrs. Havisham.
 Mrs. Havisham is not a well known character yet. She is described as a pale woman with white hair who lives in a home without light, and is dressed in a fading wedding dress. When Pip first arrives at her home, we learn of her wealth; she lives in the Manor House or Satis, "which is Greek, or Latin, or Hebrew, or all three- or all one to me- for Enough House." Mrs, Havisham's only request for Pip was for him to play, I find this to be a peculiar proposition.
After returning from Mrs. Havisham's dark and dusty home, Pip is questioned by Uncle Pumplechook and Mrs. Joe about his experience. When he gives simple responses he is abused. I find this to be a harsh environment to be raised in. Mrs. Joe is portrayed as a cruel lady who is pale and stick thin, the author gives us no reason to like like her. It is Joe, her husband, that softens her image for a time when he describes how they met.
Joe is the amazingly good guy so far. He supports Pip through all of the ups and downs. He seems like the only character that understands Pip.
These characters are only beginning to develop their stories and I am excited to learn more about their history and personalities.