Little Lord Fauntleroy · Character

Dick

A sharp-witted New York bootblack who dubs himself Professor Dick Tipton and never forgets the little friend who once did him a good turn.

supporting

Also known as Professor Dick Tipton, Perfessor Dick Tipton

First appearance: ii

As a supporting figure in Little Lord Fauntleroy, Dick is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Dick is overwhelmed by Cedric's generosity, which allows him to buy out Jake and own his business.

In the storyIIIOpen this moment free

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Dick earns his living shining shoes on a city street, but his real talent is loyalty, and he and Mr. Hobbs form Cedric's ragtag American family. When Cedric's fortune changes, Dick writes him a defiant, misspelled letter promising backup against any 'ole theves' who might take advantage. His streetwise nerve and willingness to stand by his friend make him unexpectedly useful when the story's later troubles require someone who knows how to spot a fraud.

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The fuller portrait of Dick sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Dick in ii

Character Web

19 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Social
Other

Character groups

New York friends
Protagonist

+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

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the Earl’s internal reversal: his pride in Fauntlero…

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Relationships

Mr. Hobbs
friendship · positive
Dick, a young bootblack, and Mr. How this plays out →
Cedric Errol
friendship · positive
Earl of Dorincourt
social · positive
Mr. Havisham
social · positive
Cedric Errol
friendship · positive
Mr. Hobbs
friendship · positive
Dick, a young bootblack, and Mr. How this plays out →
Earl of Dorincourt
social · positive
Mr. Havisham
social · positive
Cedric Errol
friendship · positive
Mr. Havisham
social · positive
Earl of Dorincourt
social · positive

Mr. Hobbs
Dick, a young bootblack, and Mr. Hobbs become friends through their shared connection to Cedric.
Cedric Errol
Cedric's loyal friend from New York, a poor but honest bootblack who later visits England.
Earl of Dorincourt
Dick meets the Earl when visiting England; the Earl is impressed by his honesty and industry.
Mr. Havisham
Havisham interviews Dick in New York to verify Cedric's identity and later helps him.
Cedric Errol
Cedric's loyal friend from New York, a poor but honest bootblack who later visits England.
Mr. Hobbs
Dick, a young bootblack, and Mr. Hobbs become friends through their shared connection to Cedric.
Earl of Dorincourt
Dick meets the Earl when visiting England; the Earl is impressed by his honesty and industry.
Mr. Havisham
Havisham interviews Dick in New York to verify Cedric's identity and later helps him.
Cedric Errol
Cedric's loyal friend from New York, a poor but honest bootblack who later visits England.
Mr. Havisham
Havisham interviews Dick in New York to verify Cedric's identity and later helps him.
Earl of Dorincourt
Dick meets the Earl when visiting England; the Earl is impressed by his honesty and industry.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Dick in ii

In the story

Dick appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III
Dick is overwhelmed by Cedric's generosity, which allows him to buy out Jake and own his business. He gives Cedric a red silk handkerchief as a farewell gift at the dock.
V
Mentioned as an old friend of Cedric's; gave Cedric a red silk handkerchief as a keepsake before the ship sailed.
XI
Becomes friends with Mr. Hobbs; they read and discuss the British aristocracy and historical tales.
XIII
Recognizes the picture of the claimant's mother as Minna, a woman from his past, and realizes the claim is fraudulent; writes to his brother Ben and consults a lawyer.
XIV
Dick arrives from New York with Ben to identify the fraudulent claimant, whom he recognizes as Minna. He grins at her during the confrontation.
XV
Dick stays for the birthday festivities and is to receive a solid education provided by the Earl.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Dick unlock in the free preview.

See Dick in ii

See Dick in III