Ragged Dick

Frank Whitney

Frank Whitney is Dick's first wealthy friend who encourages him to improve himself and save money.

Jim Travis

Jim Travis is a fellow bootblack and close friend of Dick, often working and socializing together.

Micky Maguire

Micky Maguire is a street tough and bully who frequently antagonizes and fights with Dick.

Johnny Nolan

Johnny Nolan is a lazy but good-natured fellow bootblack and friend of Dick.

Tom Wilkins

Tom Wilkins is a young friend and fellow bootblack who looks up to Dick.

Ida Greyson

Ida Greyson is the young daughter of Mr. Greyson, whom Dick befriends and helps during a ferry ride.

Mr. Greyson

Mr. Greyson is Ida's grateful father who rewards Dick for rescuing his daughter from danger.

Mr. Whitney

Mr. Whitney is Frank's uncle who gives Dick advice and a new suit, acting as a mentor figure.

Mrs. Mooney

Mrs. Mooney is Dick's landlady, who rents him a room and provides lodging.

Tom Miles

Tom Miles is a fellow bootblack and friend who works alongside Dick.

Mr. Rockwell

Mr. Rockwell is a wealthy businessman who hires Dick as a clerk after being impressed by his honesty.

Roswell Crawford

Roswell Crawford is a snobbish clerk who looks down on Dick and competes with him socially.

Ragged Dick

Introduced as the protagonist, a homeless bootblack sleeping in a box on Spruce Street, earning his living by shining shoes.

I: Ragged Dick Is Introduced to the Reader

Introduced as a bootblack living in a box; frank, honest, but with faults like smoking and gambling.

II: Johnny Nolan

Shows generosity by treating Johnny to breakfast and reflects on the value of ambition and hard work.

Dick Makes a Proposition

Shows honesty and resourcefulness in recovering the good bill, then proposes himself as a guide to Frank Whitney.

Dick's New Suit

Receives a new suit and undergoes a physical transformation, feeling like Cinderella; shows gratitude and humor.

Chatham Street and Broadway

Guides Frank through New York, showing his knowledge of city life and sharp wit.

VI: Up Broadway to Madison Square

Reflects on past financial mistakes, expresses desire to improve his education and become respectable, and is inspired by the story of Dick Whittington.

VII: The Pocketbook

Dick cleverly turns the tables on a pocketbook dropper, using a fake bill to avoid being swindled, and later refuses to return the wallet.

Dick's Early History

Shares his early life story, including his mother's death, father's disappearance, and his struggle to survive from age seven.

IX: A Scene in a Third Avenue Car

Dick defends Frank with humor, volunteers to be searched, and makes witty remarks about his 'valooable property.'

X: Introduces a Victim of Misplaced Confidence

Shows vulnerability when discussing his loneliness, but remains sharp and streetwise, recognizing the swindler.

Dick as a Detective

Acts as a detective to recover a countryman's stolen money, demonstrates honesty and resourcefulness, and resolves to improve himself after receiving advice from Mr. Whitney.

Dick Hires a Room on Mott Street

Dick hires his first room, pays in advance, and begins his journey toward respectability.

XIII: Micky Maguire

Dick wakes in his new room, washes, and chooses to wear his new suit. He works as a bootblack, earns money, and buys breakfast and a comb. He is determined to live respectably and save money.

XIV: A Battle and a Victory

Opens a bank account, fights Micky Maguire, and resolves to improve himself through saving and education.

Dick Secures a Tutor

Demonstrates honesty by returning change to Mr. Greyson, and shows generosity and ambition by offering Fosdick lodging for tutoring.

XVI: The First Lesson

Begins his first reading lesson with Fosdick, showing determination to improve himself and become respectable.

Dick's First Appearance in Society

Attends church and dinner with the Greysons, feels out of place but is drawn to Ida's friendliness.

XVIII: Micky Maguire’s Second Defeat

Shows bravery in confronting Micky Maguire and generosity in offering his savings to Fosdick for new clothes.

XIX: Fosdick Changes His Business

Accompanies Fosdick to the job application, uses drollery to keep up Fosdick's spirits, and cleverly deflects Roswell Crawford's insults.

Dick Loses His Bankbook

Discovers his bankbook missing and feels the bitterness of financial loss; resolves to recover it and still help Tom Wilkins.

XXII: Tracking the Thief

Dick takes proactive steps to recover his stolen bankbook, showing his resourcefulness and determination.

XXIII: Travis Is Arrested

Recovers his stolen bankbook at the bank, shows compassion for Travis despite the theft, and generously gives money to Tom Wilkins for his mother's care.

Dick Receives a Letter

Receives his first letter from Frank Whitney, feels pride in his improved literacy and appearance, and handles Micky Maguire's taunts with humor.

Dick Writes His First Letter

Writes his first letter to Frank Whitney, showing pride in his progress and humor about his past.

An Exciting Adventure

Demonstrates bravery and selflessness by diving into the river to save a drowning boy, despite the risk to his own life.

Conclusion

Accepts a clerkship at Mr. Rockwell's counting room for ten dollars a week, symbolizing his rise from poverty.