# Farmer Brown — Green Meadow Stories character guide > Farmer Brown in Green Meadow Stories by Thornton W. Burgess. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Farmer Brown, Farmer Brown 's Boy, Brown, VIII What Farmer Brown **First appearance:** 0016-xvi-happy-jack-misses-farmer-brown-s-boy ## Snapshot The human whose dooryard, pockets, and habits the Green Meadow folk watch so closely that his absence becomes a small crisis of the heart. ## Who they are Farmer Brown and his boy anchor the world just beyond the Green Forest, the place where pockets rustle, whistles carry, and danger in the form of traps and cats quietly originates. The creatures' feelings about him are complicated: he is the source of traps and of the boy whose cheery whistle Happy Jack and Tommy Tit suddenly miss. That very ambiguity makes him matter early and mid-book, since the meadow's safety and sorrows are measured by what Farmer Brown and his household do next. ## Relationships ### [Bowser the Hound](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/characters/bowser_the_hound) _professional_ Bowser the Hound serves as Farmer Brown's loyal hunting dog and guardian of the farm. ### [Reddy Fox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/characters/reddy_fox) _rivalry_ Farmer Brown views Reddy Fox as a pest and threat to his livestock, leading to constant conflict. ### [Happy Jack Squirrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/characters/happy_jack_squirrel) _social_ Farmer Brown and Happy Jack Squirrel have a neutral acquaintance, with occasional interactions around the farm. ### [Bowser the Hound](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/characters/bowser_the_hound) _professional_ Bowser the Hound serves as Farmer Brown's loyal hunting dog and guardian of the farm. ### [Reddy Fox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/characters/reddy_fox) _rivalry_ Farmer Brown views Reddy Fox as a pest and threat to his livestock, leading to constant conflict. ### [Bowser the Hound](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/characters/bowser_the_hound) _professional_ Bowser the Hound serves as Farmer Brown's loyal hunting dog and guardian of the farm. ### [Happy Jack Squirrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/characters/happy_jack_squirrel) _social_ Farmer Brown and Happy Jack Squirrel have a neutral acquaintance, with occasional interactions around the farm. ### [Reddy Fox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/characters/reddy_fox) _rivalry_ Farmer Brown views Reddy Fox as a pest and threat to his livestock, leading to constant conflict. ### [Happy Jack Squirrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/characters/happy_jack_squirrel) _social_ Farmer Brown and Happy Jack Squirrel have a neutral acquaintance, with occasional interactions around the farm. ## In the story ### [Happy Jack](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/happy-jack) Farmer Brown's boy saves Happy Jack from Shadow the Weasel. ### [Who Saved Happy Jack Squirrel?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xv-who-saved-happy-jack-squirrel) Farmer Brown's boy protects Happy Jack and chases Shadow the Weasel away. ### [XVI: Happy Jack Misses Farmer Brown’s Boy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xvi-happy-jack-misses-farmer-brown-s-boy) Farmer Brown's boy is the missing friend whom Happy Jack and Tommy Tit are worried about. ### [Happy Jack Decides to Make a Call](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xviii-happy-jack-decides-to-make-a-call) Farmer Brown's boy is the subject of Happy Jack's concern; he saved Happy Jack and now is unwell. ### [XIX: Tommy Tit and Happy Jack Pay a Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xix-tommy-tit-and-happy-jack-pay-a-visit) Farmer Brown's boy is the object of the visit, lying ill inside the house, inspiring Happy Jack's pity. ### [Happy Jack Squirrel Grows Very Bold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxi-happy-jack-squirrel-grows-very-bold) Farmer Brown's boy recovers from the mumps and tempts Happy Jack inside the window. ### [Happy Jack Dares Tommy Tit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxii-happy-jack-dares-tommy-tit) Farmer Brown's boy opens the window and offers nuts to the birds and squirrel. ### [Sammy Jay Is Quite Upset](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxiii-sammy-jay-is-quite-upset) Farmer Brown's boy enters the room while Happy Jack is inside, but Happy Jack does not flee. ### [A Dream Comes True](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxiv-a-dream-comes-true) Mentioned as Farmer Brown's boy who previously saved Happy Jack's life. ### [XXV: Happy Jack Has a Happy Thought](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxv-happy-jack-has-a-happy-thought) His house and the open window of Farmer Brown's boy's room provide Happy Jack's escape route. ### [Farmer Brown’s Boy Wakes with a Start](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxvi-farmer-brown-s-boy-wakes-with-a-start) Calls Farmer Brown's boy to wake up for his duties. ### [XXVII: Happy Jack Is Afraid to Go Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxvii-happy-jack-is-afraid-to-go-home) Mrs. Brown mistakes Happy Jack's fear for scolding; Farmer Brown's boy recognizes the problem and plans to build a new house. ### [XXVIII: Happy Jack Finds a New Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxviii-happy-jack-finds-a-new-home) Farmer Brown's boy is the one who places the box in the tree, providing Happy Jack with a new home. ### [XXIX: Farmer Brown’s Boy Takes a Prisoner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxix-farmer-brown-s-boy-takes-a-prisoner) Farmer Brown's boy, who made Happy Jack's house, feeds him, and traps Shadow the Weasel after the weasel kills his pullets. ### [A Prisoner Without Fear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxx-a-prisoner-without-fear) Farmer Brown's boy sets the trap and catches Shadow; brings meat to the prisoner. ### [What Farmer Brown’s Boy Did with Shadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxxi-what-farmer-brown-s-boy-did-with-shadow) Farmer Brown's boy is the one who trapped Shadow and ultimately decides to release him rather than kill or imprison him. ### [XXXII: Happy Jack Is Perfectly Happy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxxii-happy-jack-is-perfectly-happy) Farmer Brown and his wife have made friends with Happy Jack. ### [Old Man Coyote Plays a Trick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/ii-old-man-coyote-plays-a-trick) Mentioned as the owner of the house far beyond Bowser's hearing distance. ### [Bowser Spends a Bad Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/v-bowser-spends-a-bad-night) Bowser longs to find Farmer Brown's house; the sugar camp is similar to one Farmer Brown has. ### [IX: Old Man Coyote Gives Out Dark Hints](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/ix-old-man-coyote-gives-out-dark-hints) Farmer Brown's boy is seen looking worried and calling for Bowser. ### [X: How Reddy Fox Investigated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/x-how-reddy-fox-investigated) Farmer Brown's boy is seen calling for Bowser, showing concern over his absence. ### [The Difference Between Being Inside and Outside](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xiv-the-difference-between-being-inside-and-outside) The henyard and henhouse belong to Farmer Brown; his boy is expected in the morning. ### [XV: Reddy's Forlorn Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xv-reddy-s-forlorn-chance) Farmer Brown's boy is the anticipated threat who will discover Reddy in the morning. ### [Why Reddy Went Without a Chicken Dinner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xvi-why-reddy-went-without-a-chicken-dinner) Farmer Brown's boy is expected to open the henhouse in the morning, and Reddy must avoid leaving any evidence. ### [XVII: Farmer Brown’s Boy Drops a Pan of Corn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xvii-farmer-brown-s-boy-drops-a-pan-of-corn) Farmer Brown's boy is startled by Reddy's sudden dash and drops the pan of corn. ### [Mutual Relief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xviii-mutual-relief) Farmer Brown's boy is surprised to find Reddy in the henhouse and relieved that no hens are missing. ### [Where Was Bowser the Hound?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xix-where-was-bowser-the-hound) Puzzled by Bowser's disappearance along with his boy and Mrs. Brown. ### [Bowser Becomes a Prisoner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxi-bowser-becomes-a-prisoner) Farmer Brown's boy is the owner Bowser longs to return to, representing his true home. ### [XXII: Farmer Brown’s Boy Looks in Vain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxii-farmer-brown-s-boy-looks-in-vain) Farmer Brown's boy is the central figure, searching for Bowser and suspecting the predators. ### [Bowser's Great Voice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxiii-bowser-s-great-voice) Mentioned as part of Bowser's former home and master. ### [The Artfulness of Blacky](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxvii-the-artfulness-of-blacky) Mentioned as having a suspicious boy who locks up chickens tightly. ### [Things Happen All at Once](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxxv-things-happen-all-at-once) The farmer steps out of the farmhouse with his dog, guesses a fox is about, and runs around the barn to investigate. ### [XXXVII: Farmer Brown’s Boy Has a Glad Surprise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxxvii-farmer-brown-s-boy-has-a-glad-surprise) Farmer Brown's boy is the central human character, who recognizes Bowser's voice and pursues him. ### [Reddy Goes Back for His Fat Hen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxxviii-reddy-goes-back-for-his-fat-hen) Farmer Brown's boy appears and is joyfully greeted by Bowser. ### [Where Was Reddy’s Dinner?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xl-where-was-reddy-s-dinner) The farmer is mentioned as having followed Bowser to the swamp edge and then returned. He has shut up the hens in the henhouse to prevent further theft. ### [Old Granny Fox Is Caught Napping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/vi-old-granny-fox-is-caught-napping) Farmer Brown's boy discovers Granny's resting spot and sets a trap. ### [Granny Fox Has a Bad Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/vii-granny-fox-has-a-bad-dream) Farmer Brown's boy is the antagonist who surprises Granny with his gun as she wakes from her dream. ### [What Farmer Brown’s Boy Did](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/viii-what-farmer-brown-s-boy-did) Spares Granny Fox with a snowball and a laugh, showing mercy. ### [IX: Reddy Fox Hears About Granny Fox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/ix-reddy-fox-hears-about-granny-fox) Farmer Brown's boy is the one who caught Granny Fox napping and let her go. ### [Why Bowser the Hound Didn’t Eat His Dinner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xviii-why-bowser-the-hound-didn-t-eat-his-dinner) Farmer Brown's boy is mentioned as having put away his gun and chaining Bowser. ### [Old Man Coyote Does a Little Thinking](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xix-old-man-coyote-does-a-little-thinking) Mentioned as the owner of the farm where Bowser is kept and where the foxes may be stealing hens. ### [Granny and Reddy Talk Things Over](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxi-granny-and-reddy-talk-things-over) Mentioned indirectly as the owner of the fat hens Granny plans to steal. ### [Granny Fox Plans to Get a Fat Hen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxii-granny-fox-plans-to-get-a-fat-hen) Mentioned as the owner of the fat hens; his boy is responsible for securing the henhouse. ### [XXIII: Farmer Brown’s Boy Forgets to Close the Gate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxiii-farmer-brown-s-boy-forgets-to-close-the-gate) Farmer Brown's Boy is usually careful but forgets to close the gate when distracted by Bowser's barking. ### [A Dinner for Two](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxv-a-dinner-for-two) The owner of the henhouse, whose perspective on the theft contrasts with the foxes' view. ### [XXVI: Farmer Brown’s Boy Sets a Trap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxvi-farmer-brown-s-boy-sets-a-trap) Farmer Brown's boy discovers the theft, sets a trap, and pads it to avoid harming Reddy. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/characters/farmer_brown - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/characters