Pollyanna Whittier

Aunt Polly

Aunt Polly is Pollyanna's stern but loving guardian, who gradually softens under Pollyanna's optimistic influence.

Jimmy Pendleton

Jimmy is Pollyanna's childhood friend and eventual romantic interest, sharing a deep bond that grows into love.

John Pendleton

John Pendleton is a kind, wealthy older friend and mentor to Pollyanna, who admires her cheerful spirit.

Sadie Dean

Pollyanna and Sadie are loyal friends, with Sadie often helping Pollyanna navigate social situations.

Della Wetherby

Della Wetherby is a warm, maternal friend to Pollyanna, offering guidance and affection.

Nancy

Nancy is Pollyanna's devoted maid and friend, who adores her and supports her cheerful outlook.

Jamie Kent

Jamie Kent is a gentle, invalid boy who becomes Pollyanna's close friend, inspired by her optimism.

Mrs. Carew

Mrs. Carew is a wealthy, lonely woman who is deeply touched by Pollyanna's kindness and becomes a benefactor.

Jerry Murphy

Jerry Murphy is a poor, cheerful boy who becomes Pollyanna's friend and shares her game of gladness.

Thomas Chilton

Thomas Chilton is a kind doctor and friend to Pollyanna, who cares for her health and well-being.

Dr. Chilton

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

Aunt Polly

Aunt Polly is Pollyanna's stern but loving guardian, who gradually softens under Pollyanna's optimistic influence.

Pollyanna Grows Up

Central character reflecting on her growth and maturity.

Della Speaks Her Mind

Discussed at length; her glad game and optimistic influence are described by Della as a potential remedy for Mrs. Carew.

Some Old Friends

Excitedly anticipates meeting Mrs. Carew, believing sisters are alike; prepares for winter stay in Boston by visiting friends.

A Dose of Pollyanna

Arrives in Boston to stay with Mrs. Carew; displays her characteristic optimism and talkativeness, disarming Mrs. Carew with her gladness and innocent observations.

IV: The Game and Mrs. Carew

Pollyanna enthusiastically explores Boston, attends church, and attempts to teach Mrs. Carew the Glad Game, showing empathy when she learns about Jamie's disappearance.

Pollyanna Takes a Walk

Takes her first real walk in Boston, explores the Public Garden, and tries to befriend strangers.

Jerry to the Rescue

Gets lost while following a hurdy-gurdy, tries to stay glad despite fear, and is rescued by Jerry.

A New Acquaintance

Pollyanna enjoys the Garden, feeds the animals, and makes a new friend, the lame boy, despite strict rules.

Jamie

Pollyanna meets Jamie in the Garden, learns about his life, and becomes determined to help him. She suspects he is the lost Jamie Kent but keeps her theory secret to avoid disappointment.

Plans and Plottings

Determined to reunite Mrs. Carew with Jamie; devises plans for a walk in the Public Garden; becomes anxious and persistent when weather delays her plans; finally reveals her suspicion that Jamie is Mrs. Carew's nephew.

In Murphy's Alley

Leads Mrs. Carew to Jamie's home, expresses distress at the conditions, and urges Mrs. Carew to help Jamie even if he is not her lost nephew.

A Surprise for Mrs. Carew

Deeply troubled by poverty; urges Mrs. Carew to help the poor; accompanies Mrs. Carew to see Jamie and is present when Jamie refuses the offer.

From Behind a Counter

Reunites with the salesgirl from the Public Garden; struggles with the 'glad game' because her own comforts make her sorrier for Jamie; invites the salesgirl to see the Christmas tree.

A Waiting and a Winning

Orchestrates the New Year's Eve party and continues to bring people together, including Sadie Dean and Jamie, despite Mrs. Carew's resistance.

Jimmy and the Green-Eyed Monster

Returns to Beldingsville and visits friends, discussing her Boston experiences and social observations.

Aunt Polly Takes Alarm

Unconsciously responsible for Mrs. Carew's transformation; Aunt Polly wants to protect her from becoming a 'prig.'

When Pollyanna Was Expected

Now twenty, returning home after six years abroad; has grown into a young woman with a joyful spirit, though facing grief and financial hardship.

When Pollyanna Came

Returns to Beldingsville grieving the doctor's death, tries to comfort Aunt Polly and maintain a cheerful front, discusses financial worries and her desire to develop a talent to earn money.

A Matter of Adjustment

Struggles with the adjustment to poverty, longs to earn money, and discusses the Glad Game with Jimmy.

Two Letters

Receives the letter from Della Wetherby, proposes boarding Mrs. Carew and Jamie at her aunt's house, and writes a reply given to Jimmy to mail.

The Paying Guests

Busy preparing the house for the paying guests, overcoming panic at the station, and managing the household with joy and determination.

Summer Days

Acts as a hostess and mediator, torn between her duties and the joy of joining the group's activities; becomes protective of Jamie during the camping trip.

Comrades

Reflects on her desire to help Aunt Polly and considers writing stories for income; enjoys the companionship of the group and feels especially at ease with Jimmy.

XXIII: “Tied to Two Sticks”

Shows compassion by staying back to help Jamie; is nearly gored by a bull but rescued by Jimmy; then feels remorse for praising Jimmy in front of Jamie.

XXIV: Jimmy Wakes Up

Feels guilty and constrained after the bull incident, and tries to be especially kind to Jamie, though his presence has become painful to her.

The Game and Pollyanna

Struggles to play her own glad game, feels guilty about Aunt Polly, and decides to enter a story contest to earn money.

John Pendleton

Submits her story for a contest, endures a joyless Christmas with Aunt Polly, and becomes increasingly distressed by John Pendleton's constant talk of Mrs. Carew and Jimmy, leading her to suspect Jimmy loves Mrs. Carew.

The Day Pollyanna Did Not Play

Pollyanna deliberately stops playing the Glad Game to teach Aunt Polly a lesson, but struggles with the effort and feels distressed when her aunt takes it seriously.

Jimmy and Jamie

Mentioned as the object of Jimmy's affection and the subject of Jamie's speculation about John Pendleton.

Jimmy and John

Torn between her love for Jimmy and a sense of duty toward John Pendleton, she insists on waiting to learn John's feelings before committing to Jimmy.

John Pendleton Turns the Key

Terrified that John Pendleton might propose to her, then relieved and joyful when she learns his love is for Mrs. Carew.

After Long Years

Confesses her love for Jimmy to Aunt Polly and is devastated by her aunt's opposition.

A New Aladdin

Arrives unexpectedly at Mrs. Carew's house; is kissed by Jimmy, confirming their love.