Wackford Squeers
Wackford Squeers is a fictional character from Charles Dickens' novel, "Nicholas Nickleby." He is the cruel and unscrupulous headmaster of a boarding school called Dotheboys Hall, where he exploits and mistreats his students for profit. Squeers is characterized by his greed and lack of compassion, often prioritizing money over the well-being of the children in his care.
Squeers is depicted as a short, unpleasant man with a distinctive appearance, including a prominent nose and a sly demeanor. His character serves as a critique of the educational system and the neglect faced by vulnerable children during the Victorian era. Through Squeers, Dickens highlights the need for reform in institutions that are meant to nurture and educate.