Aunt Polly Harrington

Pollyanna Whittier

Aunt Polly is Pollyanna's strict but ultimately loving guardian, whose stern exterior gradually softens under Pollyanna's influence.

Nancy

Aunt Polly is Nancy's employer, and their relationship is formal but becomes warmer as Nancy proves her loyalty.

John Pendleton

Aunt Polly and John Pendleton were former lovers who reunite and eventually marry, resolving their past misunderstandings.

Jimmy Bean

Aunt Polly initially disapproves of Jimmy Bean but later accepts him as a foster son, becoming his guardian.

Pollyanna Whittier

Aunt Polly is Pollyanna's strict but ultimately loving guardian, whose stern exterior gradually softens under Pollyanna's influence.

Pollyanna Whittier

Aunt Polly is Pollyanna's strict but ultimately loving guardian, whose stern exterior gradually softens under Pollyanna's influence.

Nancy

Aunt Polly is Nancy's employer, and their relationship is formal but becomes warmer as Nancy proves her loyalty.

John Pendleton

Aunt Polly and John Pendleton were former lovers who reunite and eventually marry, resolving their past misunderstandings.

Nancy

Aunt Polly is Nancy's employer, and their relationship is formal but becomes warmer as Nancy proves her loyalty.

Jimmy Bean

Aunt Polly initially disapproves of Jimmy Bean but later accepts him as a foster son, becoming his guardian.

Jimmy Bean

Aunt Polly initially disapproves of Jimmy Bean but later accepts him as a foster son, becoming his guardian.

Pollyanna

Receives Pollyanna with formality and assigns her an attic room; shows a stern, duty-bound demeanor.

Miss Polly

Miss Polly is introduced as a stern, hurried woman who prides herself on her repose of manner. She receives the news of her niece Pollyanna's arrival with cold duty rather than warmth, and instructs Nancy to prepare an attic room.

Old Tom and Nancy

Aunt Polly is discussed by Nancy and Old Tom; she is portrayed as bitter and prickly, with a past love affair that changed her.

The Coming of Pollyanna

Mentioned as the aunt who arranged for Pollyanna's arrival but did not come to meet her. She is described as strict and particular, having ordered screens and given specific instructions about the room.

The Little Attic Room

Coldly receives Pollyanna, forbids talk of her father, and assigns her to a plain attic room to teach humility.

The Game

Sends Pollyanna to bed early and is briefly told about the game by Pollyanna.

A Question of Duty

Emphasizes duty and obligation, outlines a rigorous daily schedule for Pollyanna, and reacts irritably to Pollyanna's questions about finding gladness.

Pollyanna and Punishments

Takes Pollyanna shopping; discovers her on the roof and is both stern and helpless as her punishment is again taken as a reward; ultimately brings Pollyanna to sleep in her own bed.

Pollyanna Pays a Visit

Establishes Pollyanna's schedule and sends calf's-foot jelly to Mrs. Snow as a duty.

X: A Surprise for Mrs. Snow

Moves Pollyanna to a better room after hearing her wishes; feels disturbed by Pollyanna's assumption that she never felt glad.

XI: Introducing Jimmy

Aunt Polly is presented with Jimmy Bean by Pollyanna and rejects him angrily. She also reluctantly accepted a stray kitten and a dog brought home by Pollyanna.

Before the Ladies' Aid

Aunt Polly has a headache and skips the Ladies' Aid meeting; she previously called Jimmy Bean a beggar, which Pollyanna remembers.

Just a Matter of Jelly

Has gone to Boston for a cousin's funeral; returns later and initially refuses then allows Pollyanna to give jelly to John Pendleton as her own gift.

Dr. Chilton

Questions Pollyanna about Dr. Chilton's visit and scolds her for telling John Pendleton outright that she did not send the jelly.

A Red Rose and a Lace Shawl

Returns from a Ladies' Aid meeting with naturally curled hair; reluctantly allows Pollyanna to style her, but flees in shame when Dr. Chilton sees her.

Just Like a Book

Mentioned as the object of John Pendleton's past affection and as the one who refused to send him jelly.

Prisms

Pollyanna tries to talk about Mr. Pendleton and Dr. Chilton, but Aunt Polly avoids the subjects and shows bitterness toward Dr. Chilton.

XIX: Which Is Somewhat Surprising

Referenced as the person Pollyanna believes John Pendleton loved, though not present in the chapter.

XX: Which Is More Surprising

Aunt Polly is referenced as the object of Pollyanna's loyalty and the person Mr. Pendleton mistakenly believes is not the 'glad' kind. She is not present in the chapter but is central to the conflict.

A Question Answered

Shows concern for Pollyanna by sending Nancy with an umbrella; Pollyanna realizes her aunt wants her to stay.

An Accident

Shows deep distress and love while caring for the injured Pollyanna, contradicting her usual duty-bound demeanor.

John Pendleton

Deeply affected by Pollyanna's condition and her words of gratitude; receives John Pendleton's visit and begins to reconcile.

A Door Ajar

Accidentally reveals the grim prognosis to Pollyanna and faints from the shock of being overheard.

Two Visits

Delivers John Pendleton's message to Pollyanna about adopting Jimmy Bean, and is surprised by the town's outpouring of support for her niece.

XXVIII: The Game and Its Players

Receives visitors and learns the full story of the Glad Game from Nancy.

Through an Open Window

Aunt Polly has embraced the glad game and actively seeks out glad stories to share with Pollyanna. She remains estranged from Dr. Chilton, refusing to ask him to visit due to pride and a past quarrel.

Jimmy Takes the Helm

Initially surprised and indignant, but ultimately agrees to call Dr. Chilton after Jimmy's explanation.

A New Uncle

Agitated but ultimately reconciles with Dr. Chilton and reveals her happiness to Pollyanna.

Which Is a Letter from Pollyanna

Addressed in the letter; she married Uncle Tom by Pollyanna's bedside.