Ragged Dick · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Ragged Dick by Horatio Alger Jr..
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Ragged Dick
major
Also known as Dick, Dick Whittington, Richard Hunter, Richard
Dick earns his living shining shoes on Broadway, sleeping in cheap lodgings, and spending his spare change on theaters and oyster stews. When a wealthy stranger's son and a homeless, educated boy cross his path, he begins to imagine a life beyond Mott Street—though his slang and street habits keep tripping him up in polite company. His restless desire to rise, paired with his refusal to cheat, sets the whole story in motion.
Henry Fosdick
supporting
Also known as Fosdick
Fosdick has the education of a gentleman's son but the prospects of a street boy, and fifty failed job applications have worn his confidence thin. Dick's cheerfulness keeps him from despair, while his own grammar and manners quietly polish Dick in return. Their shared room becomes the story's engine of self-improvement, showing that respectability is something two boys can build together.
Frank Whitney
supporting
Also known as Frank
Frank is the nephew of a wealthy man, accustomed to the Fifth Avenue Hotel and fine company, yet he never sneers at Dick's rough speech or ragged coat. He listens to Dick's confessions about lost wages and gambling, then tells him plainly that respect is earned, not inherited. His casual kindness gives Dick his first real glimpse of the world he wants to enter.
Jim Travis
supporting
Also known as James Travis, Travis
Known on the street as Limpy Jim, he wins five dollars off Dick in a rigged game and refuses him even a nickel for a night's lodging. Later he reappears in more respectable clothes, using charm and nerve to get close to Dick's savings. He is the story's warning that not every polished stranger deserves trust.
Johnny Nolan
minor
Also known as Little Johnny
A lazy bootblack and Dick's former acquaintance.
Micky Maguire
supporting
Also known as Micky
Micky rules the roughest corner of the city through intimidation, and he has already been sent to the Island more than once for stealing. He nurses a grudge against Dick for outshining him and against Fosdick for taking a job he wanted. Their confrontations test whether Dick's new self-respect can survive the old neighborhood's pull.
Tom Wilkins
minor
Also known as Tom
A friend of Dick's from the streets.
Mr. Whitney
minor
Frank Whitney's father, a kind gentleman who helps Dick.
Mr. Greyson
supporting
Mr. Greyson is rich enough to dine with the Mayor, yet he treats Dick and Fosdick as guests rather than curiosities, putting them at ease in his elegant home. His daughter Ida's chatter flusters Dick into saying 'bully' at the dinner table, but Mr. Greyson only laughs good-humoredly. His trust and example give Dick a model of the gentleman he hopes to become.
Mrs. Mooney
minor
Also known as a Mrs. Mooney
Dick's landlady on Mott Street.
Ida Greyson
minor
Also known as Miss Ida Greyson
Mr. Greyson's young daughter, whom Dick rescues from danger.
Roswell Crawford
minor
Also known as Roswell
A snobbish boy who looks down on Dick.
Limpy Jim
minor
Also known as Jim
A lame street boy and friend of Dick.
Mr. Rockwell
minor
A wealthy merchant who gives Dick a job.
Tom Miles
minor
Also known as Tom
A bootblack and acquaintance of Dick.
Mr. Henderson
minor
Also known as Henderson
A clerk who helps Dick with his bank account.
Bridget
minor
Mrs. Mooney's servant girl.
Mr. Taylor
minor
Also known as Taylor
A teacher at the night school Dick attends.
Ezekiel Munroe
minor
A country boy who visits New York and meets Dick.
Ephraim Smith
minor
Also known as Mr. Ephraim Smith
A country man who hires Dick to guide him.
Mr. Munroe
minor
Ezekiel's father, a farmer.
Mr. Nolan
minor
Johnny Nolan's father, a drunkard.
Mrs. Greyson
minor
Mr. Greyson's wife and Ida's mother.