Discuss the role played by Magwitch in the life of Pip in Great Expectations.

Magwitch, the “convict, ” plays a key role in
Great Expectations, both thematically and plot-wise.  Magwitch is a
simple and kind man in some ways, but is always on the wrong side of the law.  When Pip
finds him and helps him, Magwitch is eternally grateful.  All he can think is that Pip
has a good heart, and helped him when no one else would.  He is sentenced to go to
Australia, where he actually does quite well for
himself.

He makes a fortune that he sends home to Pip. 
Everything he earns goes to making Pip a gentleman.  He sets Jaggers up to watch out for
Pip, and swears him not to tell where the money comes from.  Pip assumes that Miss
Havisham is setting him up to marry Estella.  Ironically, Estealla is Magwitch’s
daughter.

Magwitch is pleased that Pip has become a
gentleman.  He does not really see how miserable Pip seems to be.  He has fulfilled his
life’s wish.  Returning to London is a huge risk, and if he returns he will be sentenced
to death.  Instead, he is wounded in the attempted escape and dies of his injuries. 
This incident gives Pip a chance to redeem his character.  When he first learns that
Magwitch is his benefactor, Pip is revolted.  Yet he soon accepts it and actually begins
to care for Magwitch.  This is the first step in Pip’s realizing that being a true
gentleman has more to do with character than money.