When Nicholas Nickleby's father dies, he turns to his wealthy uncle for assistance in finding a job and protecting his mother and sister. However, Ralph Nickleby proves to be both heartless and dishonest, and Nicholas is forced to make his own way in the world. Wackford Squeers, the tyrannical headmaster of Dotheboys Hall, a school for unwanted boys; the slow-witted orphan Smike, rescued by Nicholas; and the gloriously theatrical Mr and Mrs Crummles and their daughter, provided Charles Dickens, the author, with the opportunity to portray an extraordinary gallery of rogues and eccentrics.