Jimmy Crocker

Ann Chester

Ann and Jimmy are the central romantic pair, with Ann initially trying to reform Jimmy's playboy image before falling for him.

Mrs. Pett

Jimmy is Mrs. Pett's nephew, and she is a domineering, controlling aunt who disapproves of his lifestyle.

Mr. Peter Pett

Jimmy is Mr. Pett's nephew, and they share a friendly, somewhat conspiratorial relationship against Mrs. Pett's tyranny.

Lord Wisbeach

Jimmy and Lord Wisbeach are antagonists, with Jimmy suspecting Wisbeach's criminal intentions and working to expose him.

Ogden Ford

Jimmy is Ogden's step-uncle, and their relationship is marked by mutual annoyance and comedic conflict.

Bayliss

Bayliss is the Pett family's butler, and he serves Jimmy with quiet competence and loyalty.

Jerry Mitchell

Jerry is Jimmy's friend and former boxing trainer, and they share a loyal, bantering camaraderie.

Chicago Ed

Chicago Ed is a gangster and rival to Jimmy, part of the plot to kidnap Ogden Ford.

Skinner

Skinner is Jimmy's valet, and their relationship is one of employer and servant, with Skinner often exasperated by Jimmy.

Ann Chester

Ann and Jimmy are the central romantic pair, with Ann initially trying to reform Jimmy's playboy image before falling for him.

Mrs. Pett

Jimmy is Mrs. Pett's nephew, and she is a domineering, controlling aunt who disapproves of his lifestyle.

Ann Chester

Ann and Jimmy are the central romantic pair, with Ann initially trying to reform Jimmy's playboy image before falling for him.

I: A Red-Haired Girl

Jimmy is mentioned as Mrs. Pett's nephew, notorious for his escapades in London. He previously worked at the New York Chronicle and has a past connection with Ann.

II: The Exiled Fan

Mentioned as still in bed; his behavior, including lunching with pugilist Spike Dillon, concerns his stepmother.

III: Family Jars

Mentioned as still in bed; comes downstairs at the end of the chapter.

IV: Jimmy’s Disturbing News

Hungover and unable to remember the previous night's brawl; learns of the fight from Bayliss.

The Morning After

Jimmy learns of his father's peerage ambition and confesses to beating Lord Percy Whipple in a brawl.

VI: Jimmy Abandons Piccadilly

Feels remorse for his escapade, overhears Ann Chester's harsh criticism of him, and decides to sail to America to give his father a clear field for the peerage.

On the Boat-Deck

Jimmy is on the boat-deck with Ann, exhilarated by the storm and her company. He reflects on his jealousy of other men who have been spending time with her during the voyage. He discusses his alias 'Bayliss' and his plans to seek fortune in America, possibly in newspaper work. He is in love with Ann but struggles to express his feelings.

Painful Scene in a Café

Present under the alias Algernon Bayliss; tormented by Ann's criticism of his true self and by newspaper articles exposing his past.

XI: Jimmy Decides to Be Himself

Living under the alias Bayliss; offers to impersonate himself to help Ann and take Jerry's place in the scheme.

XII: Jimmy Catches the Boss’s Eye

Arrives at Mr. Pett's office, receives a warm welcome, and reluctantly agrees to work for Ann's sake.

XIII: Slight Complications

Arrives at the Pett mansion, meets Mrs. Pett and Ogden, and jokes about Ogden's weight, causing tension.

Lord Wisbeach

Improvises to maintain his disguise when faced with Skinner (his father) and later confronts Lord Wisbeach.

XV: A Little Business Chat

Enjoys the meal and his role as prodigal nephew; cleverly deflects suspicion with humor.

Mrs. Pett Takes Precautions

Referred to as the impostor by Lord Wisbeach; his true identity is under suspicion.

Miss Trimble, Detective

Continues his impersonation of James Crocker; tries to persuade Mrs. Pett to rehire Jerry Mitchell.

XVIII: The Voice from the Past

Discovers Ann's poetry book and reflects on his role in her transformation; struggles with his hidden identity and Ann's engagement to Lord Wisbeach; confronts Ogden and Lord Wisbeach.

Between Father and Son

Reunites with his father and reveals his alias Bayliss, his love for Ann Chester, and his plan to kidnap Ogden Ford.

Chapter XXI: Chicago Ed.

Awake and orchestrating the kidnapping plan; waits in the gallery to close the windows after his father and Ogden leave.

In the Library

Hides in the gallery, confronts Lord Wisbeach, bluffs with a revolver, accidentally fires it, and is later struck under the chin.

XXIII: Stirring Times for the Petts

Reveals his true identity and that Skinner is his father; attempts to explain his involvement in the kidnapping plot.

XXV: Nearly Everybody Happy

Decides to stay in New York and work in Mr. Pett's office, starting at the bottom, and reassures his father by promising to cable baseball scores.

XXVI: Everybody Happy

Proposes to Ann, defends his past actions, and ultimately wins her acceptance.