# Frank Whitney — Ragged Dick character guide > Frank Whitney in Ragged Dick by Horatio Alger Jr.. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Frank **First appearance:** 0003-i-ragged-dick-is-introduced-to-the-reader ## Snapshot A good-natured rich boy visiting New York, he treats a bootblack as an equal and plants the idea that Dick could become somebody. ## Who they are 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. ## Relationships ### [Ragged Dick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/characters/ragged_dick) _friendship_ Frank Whitney is Dick's first wealthy friend who encourages him to improve himself and save money. ### [Mr. Whitney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/characters/mr_whitney) _family_ Frank Whitney is the nephew of Mr. Whitney, traveling with him to New York. ### [Tom Wilkins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/characters/tom_wilkins) _social_ Frank Whitney and Tom Wilkins are acquaintances through their mutual friendship with Dick. ### [Ragged Dick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/characters/ragged_dick) _friendship_ Frank Whitney is Dick's first wealthy friend who encourages him to improve himself and save money. ### [Ragged Dick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/characters/ragged_dick) _friendship_ Frank Whitney is Dick's first wealthy friend who encourages him to improve himself and save money. ### [Tom Wilkins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/characters/tom_wilkins) _social_ Frank Whitney and Tom Wilkins are acquaintances through their mutual friendship with Dick. ### [Mr. Whitney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/characters/mr_whitney) _family_ Frank Whitney is the nephew of Mr. Whitney, traveling with him to New York. ## In the story ### [Ragged Dick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/ragged-dick) A young gentleman who meets Dick, gives him new clothes, and encourages him to improve his life. ### [Dick Makes a Proposition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/iii-dick-makes-a-proposition) A visitor to New York, initially shy about being seen with ragged Dick but open to the idea of a guide. ### [Dick's New Suit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/iv-dick-s-new-suit) Generously gives Dick clothes, a handkerchief, and helps him clean up; accompanies Dick to buy a hat. ### [Chatham Street and Broadway](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/v-chatham-street-and-broadway) Accompanies Dick, expressing wonder at the city's shops and landmarks. ### [VI: Up Broadway to Madison Square](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/vi-up-broadway-to-madison-square) Guides Dick up Broadway, points out landmarks, offers to teach Dick to read, and tells him the story of Dick Whittington to encourage ambition. ### [VII: The Pocketbook](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/vii-the-pocketbook) Frank accompanies Dick during the encounter, initially expressing concern about Dick's deception but later admiring his street smarts. ### [Dick's Early History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/viii-dick-s-early-history) Listens compassionately to Dick's story and encourages him to attend night school and pursue an honest path to success. ### [IX: A Scene in a Third Avenue Car](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/ix-a-scene-in-a-third-avenue-car) Frank is falsely accused of theft, remains calm and dignified, and agrees to be searched to clear his name. ### [X: Introduces a Victim of Misplaced Confidence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/x-introduces-a-victim-of-misplaced-confidence) Compassionate and perceptive, he offers friendship to Dick and tries to assist the swindled countryman. ### [Dick as a Detective](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xi-dick-as-a-detective) Accompanies Dick to Brooklyn, witnesses the recovery of the money, and encourages Dick to write to him after he leaves for boarding school. ### [XIII: Micky Maguire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xiii-micky-maguire) Dick reflects on Frank's kindness and advice, which inspires his new ambition to live respectably. ### [Dick Receives a Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xxiv-dick-receives-a-letter) Writes a warm letter to Dick from boarding school, expressing friendship and a desire to help him get an education. ### [Dick Writes His First Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xxv-dick-writes-his-first-letter) Recipient of Dick's letter; mentioned as a friend and 'trump' by Dick. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/characters/frank_whitney - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/characters