# Henry Fosdick — Ragged Dick character guide

> Henry Fosdick in Ragged Dick by Horatio Alger Jr..

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Fosdick

**First appearance:** 0017-xv-dick-secures-a-tutor

## Snapshot

A frail, well-spoken orphan reduced to bootblacking, he becomes Dick's roommate and tutor, trading book learning for a place to belong.

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [Dick Secures a Tutor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xv-dick-secures-a-tutor)

A poor, educated boy who lost his father; accepts Dick's offer of lodging in exchange for teaching him to read and write.

### [XVI: The First Lesson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xvi-the-first-lesson)

Acts as Dick's tutor, demonstrating patience and knowledge; also teaches Dick a prayer and encourages him to attend church.

### [Dick's First Appearance in Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xvii-dick-s-first-appearance-in-society)

More at ease than Dick during the visit, shows better knowledge of religious subjects.

### [XVIII: Micky Maguire’s Second Defeat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xviii-micky-maguire-s-second-defeat)

Accepts Dick's offer of money for clothes after initial reluctance; continues as Dick's tutor, noting his rapid improvement.

### [XIX: Fosdick Changes His Business](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xix-fosdick-changes-his-business)

Grows discouraged after fifty failed job applications, but finally secures a position at a hat and cap store with Mr. Greyson's recommendation.

### [Dick Loses His Bankbook](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xxi-dick-loses-his-bankbook)

Offers practical advice to Dick about notifying the bank and lends money for Tom Wilkins; suspects Jim Travis.

### [XXII: Tracking the Thief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xxii-tracking-the-thief)

Fosdick correctly deduces Travis's guilt and helps Dick plan to catch him at the bank.

### [XXIII: Travis Is Arrested](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xxiii-travis-is-arrested)

Learns of Dick's success in recovering the money and agrees to keep his bankbook with him for safety.

### [Dick Receives a Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xxiv-dick-receives-a-letter)

Brings home the newspaper with Dick's advertised letter, suggests Dick wear his old clothes to claim it, and continues to support Dick's education.

### [Dick Writes His First Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xxv-dick-writes-his-first-letter)

Encourages Dick to write the letter and offers to review it, but suggests sending it as is for authenticity.

### [An Exciting Adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xxvi-an-exciting-adventure)

Accompanies Dick on the ferry and is greatly alarmed by Dick's dangerous rescue attempt, urging him to accept Mr. Rockwell's hospitality.

### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/xxvii-conclusion)

Rejoices in Dick's success and shares that his own pay has been raised to six dollars a week; they plan to move to a nicer quarter.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/characters/henry_fosdick
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ragged_dick_se/characters