Scrooge and His Sister Fan

The loving relationship between Scrooge and his younger sister Fan, who rescued him from a lonely school and whose memory still affects him.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Fan's Rescue

A Sister's Love The Arrival During the Ghost of Christmas Past's visit, Scrooge sees his sister Fan, a little girl, coming to take him home from boarding school. She announces that their father has softened and allows him to return home for good. The Joy of Reunion Fan is described as 'a delicate creature, whom a breath might have withered,' but she has a 'large heart.' She hugs her brother and calls him 'dear brother.' The scene is one of pure affection and relief.

Fan's Death Recalled

A Lost Loved One The Ghost's Revelation The Ghost of Christmas Past tells Scrooge that Fan died as a woman and had children. Scrooge confirms she had one child—Fred. The memory of Fan's love is a source of pain and regret for Scrooge. The Connection to Fred Fred is the living reminder of Fan. Scrooge's coldness toward Fred is a rejection of his sister's memory. The memory of Fan's love is a key to Scrooge's eventual softening.

Scrooge's childhood, Christmas

Later, during the Ghost of Christmas Past's visit