# Dr. Thomas Chilton — Pollyanna character guide

> Dr. Thomas Chilton in Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Dr. Chilton, Thomas Chilton, XV Dr. Chilton

**First appearance:** 0016-xv-dr-chilton

## Snapshot

The town physician whose quiet, unmarried life and old history with Aunt Polly make him both a healer and a knot in the Harrington household.

## Who they are

Dr. Chilton is a broad-shouldered, gentle-mannered doctor who lives in rented rooms rather than a home, a fact Pollyanna seizes on and questions him about. He and Aunt Polly share a past that neither will discuss, and Miss Polly's sharpness at the mention of his name signals old hurt rather than indifference. His care for Pollyanna, and his willingness to be called when Miss Polly finally asks, positions him as the story's quiet hinge between the aunt's guarded present and the possibility of a warmer future.

## In the story

### [In Pendleton Woods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xiii-in-pendleton-woods)

Dr. Chilton receives Pollyanna's phone call and arrives with a stretcher and men to tend to John Pendleton.

### [Dr. Chilton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xv-dr-chilton)

Waits for Pollyanna to give her a ride home, is deeply moved by her words about the gladness of being a doctor, and leaves her at her door.

### [A Red Rose and a Lace Shawl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xvi-a-red-rose-and-a-lace-shawl)

Arrives to take Pollyanna to John Pendleton; privately admits he thought Miss Polly looked lovely but asks Pollyanna not to tell her.

### [Prisms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xviii-prisms)

Mentioned as the doctor Aunt Polly refuses to call; Pollyanna wishes he could visit her.

### [XIX: Which Is Somewhat Surprising](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xix-which-is-somewhat-surprising)

Arrives at John Pendleton's house at the end of the chapter, finding his patient with a racing pulse.

### [XX: Which Is More Surprising](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xx-which-is-more-surprising)

Dr. Chilton drives Pollyanna home from Sunday school and learns of her mistaken belief about Mr. Pendleton and Aunt Polly being lovers. He reacts with surprise and an odd smile.

### [An Accident](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xxiii-an-accident)

Pollyanna visits his office; he gives her medicine for Mrs. Snow and hints at past romantic disappointment.

### [A Door Ajar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xxvi-a-door-ajar)

Referenced by Pollyanna as 'my doctor,' whom she had wanted to treat her instead of the specialist.

### [Two Visits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xxvii-two-visits)

Mentioned in Pollyanna's conversation with Aunt Polly regarding his comment about a woman's hand and heart making a home.

### [Through an Open Window](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xxix-through-an-open-window)

Dr. Chilton is desperate to examine Pollyanna, believing he can help her walk again. He struggles with professional pride and the old quarrel with Aunt Polly, which prevents him from approaching her directly.

### [Jimmy Takes the Helm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xxx-jimmy-takes-the-helm)

Discussed as the physician who knows a specialist for Pollyanna's condition, and is now to be called in consultation.

### [A New Uncle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pollyanna_se/chapters/xxxi-a-new-uncle)

Examines Pollyanna and expresses emotional gratitude for her role in reuniting him with Aunt Polly.

## Links

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