Mr. Paddywell, a wealthy businessman, travels aboard the same ship as the Popple family bound for Australia. He intends to establish himself in the new colony using his substantial financial resources and business acumen. His wealth and status foster a belief that monetary solutions resolve most problems, fueling an adversarial relationship with the Popple family, particularly Arthur Popple.

A land dispute between Mr. Paddywell and Arthur Popple becomes a significant source of conflict, deepening their mutual animosity. This enmity intensifies further when Mr. Paddywell's dog, Happy, kills one of Lucy-May Popple's baby goats, causing Lucy-May to declare hatred toward him and solidifying the rivalry between the families.

Mr. Paddywell treats his servants harshly, employing verbal abuse and threats to withhold wages or meals over minor issues. This mistreatment leads to betrayal by his servant Adam, who conspires with robbers to steal from him; Lucy-May later identifies Adam as the primary suspect in this theft.

His character functions as a narrative device exploring themes of class disparity and immigrant challenges. While his actions create significant obstacles for the Popple family, they also indirectly catalyze events that contribute to the family's eventual resolution.