Lorna Doone · Character

John Fry

The Ridds' slow, hungry, and gloriously unreliable farmhand, whose appetite and tall tales keep the harvest-supper in an uproar.

supporting

Also known as John, young John, dear John, old John Fry, Jeremy John Fry, poor John, Fry

First appearance: i elements of education

As a supporting figure in Lorna Doone, John Fry is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Family servant who arrives at the school gate with a message and horses; encourages John to fight and observes the bout.

In the storyAn Important ItemOpen this moment free

See John Fry in An Important Item Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

John Fry is the servant who sits down to dinner before the church clock strikes eleven and calls his master 'your worship' with a goose-leg in his mouth. He is loyal in his fashion, but his stories and his stomach often…

Continue beside the text

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

See John Fry in i elements of education

Character Web

30 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Major characters and allies
Extended cast and background figures

+25 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

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

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents John Ridd’s psychological peak of tension and respo…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Lorna Doone
professional · positive
John Fry is a servant on the Ridd farm, and he is devoted to protecting and serving Lorna. How this plays out →
Lorna Doone
professional · positive
John Fry is a servant on the Ridd farm, and he is devoted to protecting and serving Lorna. How this plays out →
Lorna Doone
professional · positive
John Fry is a servant on the Ridd farm, and he is devoted to protecting and serving Lorna. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See John Fry in i elements of education

In the story

John Fry appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

An Important Item
Family servant who arrives at the school gate with a message and horses; encourages John to fight and observes the bout.
The Warpath of the Doones
Guides John home, fearful of the Doones and cautious in the fog.
Necessary Practice
Farm hand whose blunderbuss John borrows for his journey.
IX: There Is No Place Like Home
John's companion on the farm; John confides in him (except about Lorna) and keeps him to praise his shooting.
A Brave Rescue and a Rough Ride
Farm hand who witnesses the events and takes a pick to keep safe during John's ride.
Tom Deserves His Supper
Laughs at John's fall and later is caught trying to steal a keg of Holland cordial.
Quo Warranto?
John Fry is considered as an escort but deemed insufficient; later John Ridd avoids his prying.
Lorna Growing Formidable
Mentioned in John's thoughts as a man of smaller stature whom John could lift with one hand, contrasting with John's own size.
John Is Bewitched
John Fry spreads the rumor that John Ridd was bitten by a mad dog, leading to a thrashing from John.
A Long Spring Month
Farm worker; mentioned among those John struggles to keep in line during hoeing.
Reaping Leads to Revelling
Caught eating dinner early during the reaping; John Ridd scolds him.
John Fry's Errand
Farmhand; sent by Annie and the others to follow Uncle Reuben, he rides across the moor and observes him entering a gully before being interrupted.
A Good Turn for Jeremy
Laborer who betrays John Ridd's confidence by telling Jeremy Stickles about the Wizard's Slough incident for payment.
A Troubled State and a Foolish Joke
John Fry tells a lengthy, dramatic tale about a gathering of armed men waiting to ambush Tom Faggus, embellishing his own role.
XLI: Cold Comfort
Reluctantly joins John Ridd to dig out the sheep in the snowstorm.
The Great Winter
Assists in the rescue but complains about the difficulty and fears for his life.
L: A Merry Meeting a Sad One
Blamed by John for spreading news about Lorna attending church.
A Long Account Settled
Stationed on the heights to fire a signal musket; initially thought to have fallen asleep but eventually fires, starting the assault.
Endnotes
Referenced in a note about his underrating of Devonshire magistrates' erudition.

Chapter companion notes

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

See John Fry in i elements of education

See John Fry in An Important Item