What does each of the characters in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens symbolize?

Another character
with symbolic quality is that of Bob Cratchit, Scrooges employee. Bob is a kind-hearted man who
works tirelessly for Scrooge so that he can provide for his family. If we look a little deeper
at his character, we see that he symbolizes the evils of the Victorian workplace. In Stave One,
for example, Bobs work environment is described as a dismal little cell with only a candle to
keep himself warm. Despite these conditions, the long hours he is forced to work, and Scrooges
bad temper, Bob never complains and continues to work hard. Through his character, then, Dickens
shines a light on the poor working conditions that so many Victorians faced day in and day
out.

The character of Jacob Marley also has symbolic qualities. He appears
to Scrooge in Stave One and is notable for his heavy chains, forged from cash-boxes, keys, and
ledgers, items which represent his business dealings in life. What is interesting about these
chains is that Marley made it...