 Daniel Quilp lives in Tower Hill on the North side of the River Thames; he also has a wharf on the south side of the river from where he conducts his business as a ship breaker and usurer.He takes great pleasure in tormenting his pretty wife, Mrs. Betsy Quilp, as well as Little Nell, her grandfather, Sampson Brass and Kit Nubbles.Quilp lusts after Little Nell and, hoping eventually to marry her after disposing of his wife, he lends money to her gambler grandfather knowing he will not be able to repay the loan.