Bleak House Lesson Plan

How has the Jarndyce and Jarndyce case affected Richard's personality?

In the first few chapters of the novel, Esther only notices Richard's good qualities—friendliness, enthusiasm, and generosity. As she gets to know him better, however, she (and Mr. Jarndyce) notice his key flaw. Richard is deeply indecisive and uncertain about his future. He doesn't have strong convictions and can't stick to his decisions. This is because of the way the unresolved Chancery suit has hung over his head for his entire life. As Mr. Jarndyce puts it, "It has engendered or confirmed in him a habit of putting off—and trusting to this, that, and the other chance, without knowing what chance—...