Jibby Jones · Character

The Tough Customer

A shadowy rival trailing Jibby's crew toward the Murrell farm treasure, outwitted at every turn by a boy with a plan and a cat named Orlando.

supporting

Also known as Tough Customer, Customer

First appearance: VII: The Tough Customer

As a supporting figure in Jibby Jones, The Tough Customer is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Argues with the Rat about staying on the island, reveals a treasure map stolen from a redheaded man in jail, and convinces the Rat to hunt for treasure instead of cider.

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The Tough Customer is the lurking menace who dogs the boys' treasure hunt, hoping to snatch the land pirate's hoard before they dig it up. Jibby anticipates him constantly, feeding false clues about the well and the…

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Character Web

19 connections

A slice of how The Tough Customer sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Main Characters & Allies
Protagonist
Formal Figures & Adventurers

+14 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak occurs when the narrator expresses supreme confidence and euphoria, feeling the treasure is…

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In the story

The Tough Customer appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VII: The Tough Customer
Argues with the Rat about staying on the island, reveals a treasure map stolen from a redheaded man in jail, and convinces the Rat to hunt for treasure instead of cider.
Where Is Greenland?
Spotted digging at the true treasure site ahead of the boys, and is suspected of wrecking their motorboat.
XIII: The Viking Ship
Confronts the boys demanding a missing paper, but is outwitted by Jibby.
XIV: Uncle Beeswax
Chases Uncle Beeswax, believing he has their treasure map; later inspects the grape tree map and is satisfied.
XIX: The Tough Customer Appears
Appears as a one-legged man claiming to be the hired girl's cousin. He steals the 1804 dollar from Wampus.
XX: Orlando
Falls into Jibby's elephant trap in the dry well; surrenders the 1804 dollar to avoid being attacked by the supposed skunk.
Winged Enemies
Chased off by Orlando the cat; yips three times and hops on his wooden leg before vanishing.
XXIII: Treasure Trove
Appears at the front of the crowd of treasure hunters, ready to dig.
XXIV: The Treasure
Attempts to dig for treasure but is thwarted by bumblebees and Jibby's quick actions.

Chapter companion notes

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