Abel Magwitch, the convict, resembles Joe as he is a big man. He also thinks in terms of common sense rather than academic smarts. He eats without manners, but enjoys his food. He is a pipe smoker.

Magwitch says he will get pleasure from seeing Pip spend his money as this is what he wanted for Pip. His dream was to turn him into a gentleman.

Magwitch talks to Pip about money and then apologises for being low. The talking about money in public is regarded as being ‘low’. This shows that people thought it was uncouth to talk about money. Magwitch gets violently excited when he discusses Australia and then apologises for it. Magwitch knows it is bad manners to show aggression.

Pip needs to disguise Magwitch if he is to be safe in London. This is difficult though because there are people in London who would recognise Magwitch. Also he needs a place to live as he cannot stay with Pip as there are too many servants and tradespeople that pass through his home. There is also the issue of agreeing on a disguise as Magwitch has already decided on an outfit which Pip thinks would actually draw attention to him.

Magwitch makes Herbert swear to secrecy on a bible. He makes him do it as this means he has sworn an oath. It seems less to do with a religious belief and more to do with creating a word of trust between Magwitch and Herbert.