# Joe Bragdon — Brewster’s Millions character guide

> Joe Bragdon in Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Bragdon, Van Winkle, Rip Van Winkle

**First appearance:** 0005-vi-monty-cristo

## Who they are

Monty's philosophical friend, forever quoting Rip Van Winkle and urging him to break away, even as he watches Monty's fortune draw a dangerous crowd.

## Relationships

### [Montgomery Brewster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/characters/montgomery_brewster)

_friendship_

Joe Bragdon is a childhood friend and teammate who remains loyal to Montgomery.

### [Montgomery Brewster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/characters/montgomery_brewster)

_friendship_

Joe Bragdon is a childhood friend and teammate who remains loyal to Montgomery.

### [Montgomery Brewster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/characters/montgomery_brewster)

_friendship_

Joe Bragdon is a childhood friend and teammate who remains loyal to Montgomery.

## In the story

### [A Birthday Dinner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/i-a-birthday-dinner)

Also called Rip Van Winkle, participates in the singing and jesting.

### [V: The Message from Jones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/v-the-message-from-jones)

Hired as private secretary to assist with Monty's spending plans.

### [Monty Cristo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/vi-monty-cristo)

Keeps an official report of Brewster's expenses.

### [XI: Coals of Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xi-coals-of-fire)

Helps Monty sell the Boston terrier puppies; present during the inspection of the litter.

### [A Friend in Need](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xiii-a-friend-in-need)

With Monty at the bank, he urges withdrawal but also helps spread the word that Monty is leaving his money in to restore confidence.

### [XV: The Cut Direct](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xv-the-cut-direct)

Philosophizes about love and humor; participates in discussions about Monty's engagement.

### [XVI: In the Sunny South](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xvi-in-the-sunny-south)

Installed as manager-in-chief of the cottage, overseeing the transfer of the establishment from New York.

### [XVIII: The Prodigal at Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xviii-the-prodigal-at-sea)

Joe Bragdon (Rip Van Winkle) is listed among the guests on the yacht.

### [Le Roi s’amuse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xx-le-roi-s-amuse)

Sarcastically comments on Monty's carnival plans and later escorts Peggy back to the hotel.

### [An Offer of Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xxiii-an-offer-of-marriage)

Referred to as 'Rip' Van Winkle; shares the secret of the sheik's proposal and helps orchestrate the scene.

### [The Rescue of Peggy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xxv-the-rescue-of-peggy)

Present during the rescue; comments on the adage about casting bread upon the water.

### [XXVI: Mutiny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xxvi-mutiny)

Loyally keeps Monty engaged elsewhere while the mutiny meeting takes place.

### [XXVII: A Fair Traitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xxvii-a-fair-traitor)

Guards Monty but abandons his post due to seasickness and smoke.

### [XXVIII: A Catastrophe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xxviii-a-catastrophe)

Mentioned as one of the guests calling for a steward during the storm.

### [The Prodigal's Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xxix-the-prodigal-s-return)

Left to repair the Flitter and arrange its return; later lives with Monty in a small hotel and steals the Boston terriers at Monty's request.

### [XXX: The Promise of Thrift](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xxx-the-promise-of-thrift)

Mentioned as the person from whom Monty plans to borrow money for the marriage license and minister's fee.

### [XXXI: How the Million Disappeared](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xxxi-how-the-million-disappeared)

Meets Monty by appointment; lends him money for the marriage license and agrees to be best man.

### [The Night Before](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xxxii-the-night-before)

Present at the supper, jests about Monty's wedding and birthday.

### [The Last Word](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-last-word)

Attends the wedding and reads Jones's letter aloud to the group.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/characters/joe_bragdon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/characters