Topper and Plump Sister Romance

The romance between Topper and the plump sister is a lively, flirtatious subplot that unfolds during the Christmas party at Fred's house, showcasing the playful and romantic spirit of the holiday. It provides a counterpoint to Scrooge's initial isolation and contributes to the festive atmosphere that ultimately helps soften his heart.

Identity and Introduction

Topper is a guest at the Christmas party hosted by Scrooge's nephew, Fred. The plump sister is one of Scrooge's niece's sisters, distinguished by her lace tucker. When the topic of marriage arises, Topper declares that a bachelor is a "wretched outcast" with no right to express an opinion on the subject, a remark that causes the plump sister to blush. This exchange immediately establishes Topper's interest in her and sets the stage for their flirtation.

The Blindman's Buff Courtship

The central scene of their romance is a game of blindman's buff. The narrator strongly implies that Topper's blindness is feigned, suggesting a collusion between him and Fred, and that the Ghost of Christmas Present was aware of the ruse. Topper's pursuit of the plump sister is described as an "outrage on the credulity of human nature." He knocks down fire-irons, tumbles over chairs, bumps into the piano, and smothers himself among the curtains, all to follow her wherever she goes. He makes no attempt to catch anyone else, and when others fall against him on purpose, he merely feigns an attempt to seize them before sidling off toward the plump sister. She repeatedly cries out that it is not fair, and the narrator agrees.

The Climax of the Flirtation

The pursuit culminates when Topper finally corners the plump sister. Despite her silken rustlings and rapid flutterings, he traps her in a corner with no escape. His subsequent behavior is described as "the most execrable": he pretends not to know her, claims he must touch her head-dress to identify her, and further assures himself of her identity by pressing a certain ring on her finger and a certain chain about her neck. The narrator declares this conduct "vile, monstrous." The implication is that Topper uses the game as a pretext for intimate physical contact, and the plump sister likely tells him her opinion of his behavior when they are later "so very confidential together behind the curtains" while another blind man is in office.

Narrative Role and Significance

The Topper and plump sister romance serves multiple functions within the story. It injects a note of lighthearted, romantic comedy into the Christmas celebration, contrasting sharply with Scrooge's grim solitude. The flirtation is part of the "wonderful games" and "wonderful happiness" that Scrooge eventually joins, albeit silently. The scene also demonstrates the contagious nature of good humor and affection, which the narrator describes as "nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humour." By witnessing this playful courtship, Scrooge is exposed to a world of human connection and joy from which he has long been alienated, contributing to his gradual softening and his desire to stay at the party longer.