Ralph Nickleby is a character from the novel "Nicholas Nickleby," written by Charles Dickens. He is the uncle of the protagonist, Nicholas Nickleby, and serves as an antagonist in the story. Ralph is portrayed as a cold-hearted and greedy businessman who prioritizes profit over the well-being of others, particularly his own family. Throughout the novel, Ralph's actions reflect his moral corruption and lack of compassion. He runs a boarding school, Dotheboys Hall, where he exploits vulnerable children for financial gain. His character embodies the themes of social injustice and the struggles faced by the poor during the Victorian era.