# Dick — Little Lord Fauntleroy character guide

> Dick in Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Professor Dick Tipton, Perfessor Dick Tipton

**First appearance:** 0001-ii

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Mr. Hobbs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/mr_hobbs)

_friendship_

Dick, a young bootblack, and Mr. Hobbs become friends through their shared connection to Cedric.

### [Cedric Errol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/cedric_errol)

_friendship_

Cedric's loyal friend from New York, a poor but honest bootblack who later visits England.

### [Earl of Dorincourt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/earl_of_dorincourt)

_social_

Dick meets the Earl when visiting England; the Earl is impressed by his honesty and industry.

### [Mr. Havisham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/mr_havisham)

_social_

Havisham interviews Dick in New York to verify Cedric's identity and later helps him.

### [Cedric Errol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/cedric_errol)

_friendship_

Cedric's loyal friend from New York, a poor but honest bootblack who later visits England.

### [Mr. Hobbs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/mr_hobbs)

_friendship_

Dick, a young bootblack, and Mr. Hobbs become friends through their shared connection to Cedric.

### [Earl of Dorincourt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/earl_of_dorincourt)

_social_

Dick meets the Earl when visiting England; the Earl is impressed by his honesty and industry.

### [Mr. Havisham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/mr_havisham)

_social_

Havisham interviews Dick in New York to verify Cedric's identity and later helps him.

### [Cedric Errol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/cedric_errol)

_friendship_

Cedric's loyal friend from New York, a poor but honest bootblack who later visits England.

### [Mr. Havisham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/mr_havisham)

_social_

Havisham interviews Dick in New York to verify Cedric's identity and later helps him.

### [Earl of Dorincourt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/earl_of_dorincourt)

_social_

Dick meets the Earl when visiting England; the Earl is impressed by his honesty and industry.

## In the story

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/v)

Mentioned as an old friend of Cedric's; gave Cedric a red silk handkerchief as a keepsake before the ship sailed.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/xi)

Becomes friends with Mr. Hobbs; they read and discuss the British aristocracy and historical tales.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/xv)

Dick stays for the birthday festivities and is to receive a solid education provided by the Earl.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/dick
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters