# Dr. Chilton — Pollyanna Grows Up character guide

> Dr. Chilton in Pollyanna Grows Up by Eleanor H. Porter.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Dr. ¬ÝChilton, April Dr. Chilton

**First appearance:** 0001-pollyanna-grows-up

## Snapshot

The town doctor who calls Pollyanna a tonic, he argues with Aunt Polly about whether the girl's healing gift should ever be named aloud.

## Who they are

Dr. Chilton cheerfully credits Pollyanna with transforming Mrs. Snow, John Pendleton, and half of Beldingsville, while Aunt Polly insists the child must never learn she is a cure-all. Their debate over whether to protect or celebrate Pollyanna's power shapes the decision to take her abroad to Germany. As both physician and husband, he embodies the novel's worry that goodness, once self-conscious, spoils.

## Relationships

### [Pollyanna Whittier](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se/characters/pollyanna_whittier)

_professional_

Dr. Chilton is Pollyanna's physician, providing medical care with genuine warmth and concern.

## In the story

### [Della Speaks Her Mind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se/chapters/i-della-speaks-her-mind)

Mentioned as the doctor who married Pollyanna's aunt and who is planning a trip to Germany.

### [Some Old Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se/chapters/ii-some-old-friends)

Reads a letter from Dr. Ames revealing the Wetherby family history and supports the idea of Pollyanna visiting Mrs. Carew.

### [Aunt Polly Takes Alarm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se/chapters/xv-aunt-polly-takes-alarm)

Supports Aunt Polly's plan to go to Germany; sees Pollyanna as a tonic but agrees to keep her unspoiled.

### [When Pollyanna Was Expected](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se/chapters/xvi-when-pollyanna-was-expected)

Deceased; his death and small estate contribute to the family's financial struggles.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se/characters/dr_chilton
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_grows_up_se/characters