Ragged Dick · Character

Jim Travis

A smooth-talking sharper who fleeces Dick at cards and later stoops to outright theft, embodying the temptations that threaten a boy on the rise.

supporting

Also known as James Travis, Travis

First appearance: Dick Loses His Bankbook

As a supporting figure in Ragged Dick, Jim Travis is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Suspected of stealing Dick's bankbook; makes a suspicious visit to the boys' room to gauge their reaction.

In the storyDick Loses His BankbookOpen this moment free

See Jim Travis in Dick Loses His Bankbook Book page

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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…

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The fuller portrait of Jim Travis sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Jim Travis in Dick Loses His Bankbook

Character Web

11 connections

A slice of how Jim Travis sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Rivalry
Social
Other

Character groups

Dick's social circle
Protagonist
Supporting cast and beneficiaries

+6 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story’s dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Dick’s interna…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Ragged Dick
friendship · positive
Jim Travis is a fellow bootblack and close friend of Dick, often working and socializing… How this plays out →
Micky Maguire
rivalry · negative
Mrs. Mooney
social · positive
Ragged Dick
friendship · positive
Jim Travis is a fellow bootblack and close friend of Dick, often working and socializing… How this plays out →
Ragged Dick
friendship · positive
Jim Travis is a fellow bootblack and close friend of Dick, often working and socializing… How this plays out →
Micky Maguire
rivalry · negative
Mrs. Mooney
social · positive

Ragged Dick
Jim Travis is a fellow bootblack and close friend of Dick, often working and socializing together.
Micky Maguire
Jim Travis and Micky Maguire are antagonists, often clashing due to Micky's bullying nature.
Mrs. Mooney
Jim Travis is a fellow boarder at Mrs. Mooney's lodging house, interacting as acquaintances.
Ragged Dick
Jim Travis is a fellow bootblack and close friend of Dick, often working and socializing together.
Ragged Dick
Jim Travis is a fellow bootblack and close friend of Dick, often working and socializing together.
Micky Maguire
Jim Travis and Micky Maguire are antagonists, often clashing due to Micky's bullying nature.
Mrs. Mooney
Jim Travis is a fellow boarder at Mrs. Mooney's lodging house, interacting as acquaintances.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Jim Travis in Dick Loses His Bankbook

In the story

Jim Travis appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Dick Loses His Bankbook
Suspected of stealing Dick's bankbook; makes a suspicious visit to the boys' room to gauge their reaction.
XXII: Tracking the Thief
Travis steals Dick's bankbook to fund a trip to California, revealing his dishonesty and desperation.
XXIII: Travis Is Arrested
Attempts to steal Dick's savings but is arrested at the bank; he threatens Dick but is later sentenced to nine months on Blackwell's Island.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Jim Travis unlock in the free preview.

See Jim Travis in Dick Loses His Bankbook