Character guide

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.