Daniel Quilp is the primary antagonist, a wealthy and exploitative moneylender preying on vulnerable individuals through predatory lending. His central motivation is financial gain and control over those indebted to him.

Quilp intentionally lends money to Nell's grandfather, knowing of the old man's existing financial struggles and gambling addiction. When repayment fails, Quilp threatens to seize their home and business, the curiosity shop. This ruthless ultimatum directly forces Nell and her grandfather to flee London.

Physically, Quilp retains grotesque, exaggerated features reminiscent of his literary origins, including dwarfish stature and unsettling facial expressions reinforcing his villainy. His partnership with the legal assistant Brass forms a core antagonistic alliance; Brass serves as the lean, cunning counterpart to Quilp's more physically imposing presence. Together, they pursue Nell and her grandfather across the countryside.

Quilp manipulates law enforcement, leveraging his wealth to corrupt local police forces who actively assist him despite his illegal activities. His network of minions expands his reach during the chase. His relentless pursuit remains driven solely by financial interests, not the personal fixation on Nell found in the source material. He represents capitalist exploitation, using economic power and legal manipulation to enforce his will. The extent of his involvement in later narrative developments remains unspecified.