The Story of Doctor Dolittle · Character

Chee-Chee

A resourceful monkey from the Doctor's growing menagerie, whose knowledge of the jungle makes him indispensable once the voyage reaches Africa.

supporting

Also known as Chee - Chee, Good old Chee - Chee

First appearance: A Message from Africa

As a supporting figure in The Story of Doctor Dolittle, Chee-Chee is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Rescued from an Italian organ-grinder; later assigned cooking and mending duties in the household.

In the storyMore Money TroublesOpen this moment free

Chee-Chee belongs to the expanding household of animals that Dolittle collects as his human practice collapses, one of the creatures who stays because the Doctor never has the heart to send anyone away. As a monkey, he carries the memory of Africa and the connections that will matter when the Doctor needs guides, translators, and allies among the jungle's inhabitants. He matters because he turns the Doctor's sentimental habit of taking in strays into a practical advantage, bridging the Puddleby parlor and the foreign country where the real work waits.

See Chee-Chee in More Money Troubles Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

13 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Animal Companions and Allies
Protagonist

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of the Doctor’s jour…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Doctor Dolittle
friendship · positive
Chee-Chee, a monkey, is a close companion and helper to Doctor Dolittle. How this plays out →
Doctor Dolittle
friendship · positive
Chee-Chee, a monkey, is a close companion and helper to Doctor Dolittle. How this plays out →
Doctor Dolittle
friendship · positive
Chee-Chee, a monkey, is a close companion and helper to Doctor Dolittle. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Chee-Chee in A Message from Africa

In the story

Chee-Chee appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

More Money Troubles
Rescued from an Italian organ-grinder; later assigned cooking and mending duties in the household.
A Message from Africa
Brings the message from his cousin in Africa and helps prepare for the voyage.
The Great Journey
Assists the Doctor with the telescope and alerts the group to footsteps in the jungle.
VI: Polynesia and the King
Threatens to spank Gub-Gub for crying.
VII: The Bridge of Apes
Guides the group through the jungle, knows all the paths, hides them in a hollow tree, and tells stories of ancient times.
The Leader of the Lions
Helps build a little house of grass for the Doctor's work.
The Monkeys' Council
Keeps watch at the Doctor's door, then speaks at the council explaining money and the need for the Doctor to return.
The Rarest Animal of All
Proudly presents the pushmi-pullyu to the Doctor and argues for taking it to earn money.
XI: The Black Prince
Goes ahead to look for coconuts, becomes separated, later finds Polynesia in the garden.
Medicine and Magic
Waits with Polynesia on the rocks near the ship; stays behind in Africa.
The Rats’ Warning
Not directly mentioned in this chapter.
The Rock
Part of the crew observing the search and the eventual discovery of the rock.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Chee-Chee in A Message from Africa

See Chee-Chee in More Money Troubles