# Doctor Dolittle — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle character guide > Doctor Dolittle in The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting. **Role:** major **Also known as:** John Dolittle, the Doctor, Doctor John Dolittle, the physician Dolittle, Dolittle **First appearance:** 0001-the-voyages-of-doctor-dolittle ## Snapshot A modest physician who traded human patients for animal ones, Doctor Dolittle can speak every creature's language and sails the world in search of wonders. ## Who they are In Puddleby-on-the-Marsh he keeps a chaotic household of parrots, dogs, ducks and monkeys, and the town has half-forgotten him as a doctor of people. What drives him is curiosity and kindness rather than fame, so he will abandon a comfortable practice for a sick swallow or a stranger's plea. When Tommy Stubbins stumbles in from the rain, the Doctor's warmth and his menagerie open the door to the voyages that shape the whole book. ## Relationships ### [Long Arrow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/long_arrow) _friendship_ Doctor Dolittle and Long Arrow share a deep bond of mutual respect and adventure as fellow naturalists and explorers. ### [Bumpo Kahbooboo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/bumpo_kahbooboo) _friendship_ Bumpo is a loyal and enthusiastic companion to Doctor Dolittle, often joining him on voyages with great eagerness. ### [Polynesia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/polynesia) _friendship_ Polynesia is Doctor Dolittle's clever and outspoken parrot, acting as his chief advisor and translator. ### [Dab-Dab](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/dab_dab) _friendship_ Dab-Dab is Doctor Dolittle's practical and motherly duck, managing the household and caring for him. ### [Tommy Stubbins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/tommy_stubbins) _friendship_ Tommy Stubbins is Doctor Dolittle's young apprentice and devoted friend, learning the ways of animal language and adventure. ### [Luke the Hermit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/luke_the_hermit) _friendship_ Luke the Hermit is a reclusive but kind friend to Doctor Dolittle, often providing shelter and wisdom. ### [Jip](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/jip) _friendship_ Jip is Doctor Dolittle's loyal and brave dog, always ready to protect and assist him. ### [Miranda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/miranda) _friendship_ Miranda is a beautiful and intelligent purple bird-of-paradise who aids Doctor Dolittle with her knowledge of distant lands. ### [Matthew Mugg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/matthew_mugg) _friendship_ Matthew Mugg is a cheerful cat's-meat man and a longtime friend who often supplies Doctor Dolittle with information and company. ### [Chee-Chee](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/chee_chee) _friendship_ Chee-Chee is a resourceful and loyal monkey who serves as Doctor Dolittle's assistant and friend. ### [Ben Butcher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/ben_butcher) _friendship_ Ben Butcher is a gruff but friendly sailor who helps Doctor Dolittle with nautical matters and voyages. ### [Mendoza](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/mendoza) _rivalry_ Mendoza is a cunning and antagonistic Spanish pirate who frequently opposes Doctor Dolittle's plans. ## In the story ### [The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/the-voyages-of-doctor-dolittle) The central figure embarking on a voyage of discovery. ### [Prologue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/prologue) The great man whose life the narrator is setting down, having given permission years ago. ### [I Hear of the Great Naturalist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-ii-i-hear-of-the-great-naturalist) The great naturalist who is away on a voyage; Tommy learns of his ability to speak animal languages and his reputation as a healer of animals. ### [The Doctor's Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-iii-the-doctor-s-home) The kind, shabby little man who collides with Tommy in the storm and brings him home to dry off. ### [The Wiff-Waff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-iv-the-wiff-waff) Welcomes Tommy, cooks supper, explains his study of shellfish language, and agrees to help Tommy's sick squirrel. ### [Polynesia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-v-polynesia) The Doctor shares memories of Polynesia, learns of her return, and accompanies Tommy home. ### [The Wounded Squirrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-vi-the-wounded-squirrel) Visits Tommy's home, plays the flute beautifully, and treats the wounded squirrel with skill and compassion. ### [VII: Shellfish Talk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-vii-shellfish-talk) Found in his study experimenting with a Wiff-Waff fish; discusses the limitations of its language and his desire to explore the deep sea. ### [Are You a Good Noticer?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-viii-are-you-a-good-noticer) Leaves breakfast to attend to a sick hare; is praised for his kindness and overwork. ### [The Garden of Dreams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-ix-the-garden-of-dreams) Shows Tommy the garden, explains the animals' behavior, and introduces Cheapside. ### [The Private Zoo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-x-the-private-zoo) Leads Tommy through the private zoo, explaining its design and his views on animal captivity. ### [My Schoolmaster, Polynesia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-xi-my-schoolmaster-polynesia) The Doctor is seen reading a letter aloud to a retriever dog, translating it into dog language. He is busy with his work but is a central figure in Tommy's new life. ### [My Great Idea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-xii-my-great-idea) The Doctor listens to Tommy's proposal, agrees to visit his parents, and shares stories about Long Arrow. ### [A Traveler Arrives](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-xii-a-traveler-arrives) Welcomes Chee-Chee back and sends Tommy to fetch peanuts and bananas for the monkey. ### [Chee-Chee’s Voyage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-xiv-chee-chee-s-voyage) Welcomes Chee-Chee back and ensures his bed is ready. ### [XV: I Become a Doctor's Assistant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-xv-i-become-a-doctor-s-assistant) Arranges with Tommy's parents for Tommy to live with him and learn, and secures permission for voyages. ### [The Crew of The Curlew](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-i-the-crew-of-the-curlew) Discouraged by shellfish language study, plans a voyage and inspects The Curlew. ### [Luke the Hermit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-ii-luke-the-hermit) Visits Luke's shack with Tommy, notices the open door and Jip's suspicious behavior, questions Jip but gets no answer. ### [IV: Bob](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-iv-bob) Visits Luke in prison, tries to cheer him up, and enlists Bob's help for the trial. ### [V: Mendoza](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-v-mendoza) Explains courtroom roles to Tommy, introduces Mr. Jenkyns, and is called as a witness to testify about his ability to understand animal language. ### [VI: The Judge's Dog](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-vi-the-judge-s-dog) Demonstrates his ability to talk to animals in court, conversing with the judge's dog and revealing details about the judge's supper and evening activities. ### [The End of the Mystery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-vii-the-end-of-the-mystery) Translates Bob's testimony for the court, revealing the truth about Luke's past. ### [Three Cheers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-viii-three-cheers) Celebrates Luke's acquittal by dancing on a chair, then escapes the crowd with Tommy. ### [The Purple Bird-of-Paradise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-ix-the-purple-bird-of-paradise) Returns home, fumbles with his key in excitement, and deals with Cheapside's insult to Miranda. ### [Long Arrow, the Son of Golden Arrow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-x-long-arrow-the-son-of-golden-arrow) Expresses concern and disappointment over Long Arrow's disappearance, showing his deep respect for Long Arrow's knowledge. ### [Blind Travel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-xi-blind-travel) Upset by the news of Long Arrow's disappearance, but cheers up when proposing the 'Blind Travel' game; reveals he discovered the North Pole in 1809. ### [Destiny and Destination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-xii-destiny-and-destination) Uses his spectacles to read the tiny print on the map and identifies Spidermonkey Island as the place where Long Arrow was last seen. ### [The Third Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-i-the-third-man) Arrives with natural history items, turns down Ben Butcher, and warmly greets Prince Bumpo, agreeing to take him on the voyage. ### [Goodbye!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-ii-goodbye) Leads the voyage, remains calm during mishaps, steers the boat into open sea. ### [Our Troubles Begin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-iii-our-troubles-begin) Handles the stowaway situations with kindness, lending money and writing a letter for Luke. ### [Our Troubles Continue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-iv-our-troubles-continue) Decides the ship's course, teaches the crew navigation, and angrily confronts Ben Butcher for stowing away. ### [The Bed-Maker of Monteverde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-vi-the-bed-maker-of-monteverde) Converses in Spanish with the bed-maker about birds and accepts his hospitality. ### [The Doctor's Wager](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-vii-the-doctor-s-wager) Expresses strong opposition to bullfighting, calling it cruel and cowardly, and makes a daring wager to enter the bullring. ### [VIII: The Great Bullfight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-viii-the-great-bullfight) Borrows a bullfighter's suit, communicates with bulls in their language, performs daring stunts, and defeats Pepito de Malaga. ### [We Depart in a Hurry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-ix-we-depart-in-a-hurry) Leaves the bullring quietly to prepare the ship for departure. ### [I: Shellfish Languages Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-i-shellfish-languages-again) Excitedly discovers the fidgit speaks English and whistles tunes, deducing it escaped from an aquarium. ### [The Fidgit's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-ii-the-fidgit-s-story) Works tirelessly through the night to learn the fidgit's language, translates the fidgit's story, and falls asleep from exhaustion. ### [Bad Weather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-iii-bad-weather) Shows unease about the lack of wind, uses his sextant and maps, and takes the wheel when the storm hits. ### [IV: Wrecked!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-iv-wrecked) Survives on the other half of the ship, shaving by moonlight; had tied Tommy to the mast during the storm. ### [Land!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-v-land) Calm and resourceful after the shipwreck; saves his notebooks and gives orders to porpoises and Miranda; tries to communicate with hostile Indians. ### [The Jabizri](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-vi-the-jabizri) Captures the Jabizri beetle, deciphers the picture-letter, and leads the rescue mission for Long Arrow. ### [Hawk's-Head Mountain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-vii-hawk-s-head-mountain) Leads the search party with determination, devises the plan to follow the beetle, and confirms life inside the mountain with three knocks. ### [A Great Moment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-i-a-great-moment) Leads the effort to free Long Arrow, communicates in eagle language, and is celebrated by the islanders. ### [The Men of the Moving Land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-ii-the-men-of-the-moving-land) Learns of the chief's death from cold and considers the island's future; is carried into the village by grateful Indians; discovers the Popsipetels have no fire. ### [Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-iii-fire) Examines the chilled baby, devises a method to make fire without matches, and teaches the Popsipetels how to use and handle fire safely. ### [What Makes an Island Float](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-iv-what-makes-an-island-float) Discovers the island's southward drift, consults porpoises, and orchestrates the whale-pushing plan. ### [War!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-v-war) Takes up a club and joins the defense of the village, forming part of the Terrible Three with Long Arrow and Bumpo. ### [General Polynesia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-vi-general-polynesia) Fights valiantly as the last of the 'Terribles' and later tends to the wounded. ### [VII: The Peace of the Parrots](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-vii-the-peace-of-the-parrots) Shows rare anger at the Bag-jagderags for attacking the Popsipetels, dictates the Peace of the Parrots, and refuses offers of wealth to stay. ### [The Hanging Stone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-viii-the-hanging-stone) Explores the island, examines the hanging stone, and explains its potential danger to the island's buoyancy. ### [IX: The Election](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-ix-the-election) Awakened to the news of his election as king; distressed and resistant, he tries to escape the responsibility but is ultimately carried to the coronation. ### [X: The Coronation of King Jong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-x-the-coronation-of-king-jong) Crowned as King Jong; his small figure sits on the throne, feet dangling; keeps his battered hat on his lap; the island sinks after his coronation. ### [I: New Popsipetel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-i-new-popsipetel) Serves as King Jong Thinkalot, tirelessly building the new city, teaching, and judging; reluctantly accepts royal ceremony. ### [Thoughts of Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-ii-thoughts-of-home) King of Popsipetel, struggles with the responsibility of leadership and his longing for home. ### [III: The Red Man’s Science](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-iii-the-red-man-s-science) Overjoyed at Long Arrow's return, he examines the plant collection with great interest and recognizes its scientific value. ### [IV: The Sea-Serpent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-iv-the-sea-serpent) Becomes excited upon seeing the snail, investigates its condition, and seeks to cure its injured tail. ### [The Shellfish Riddle Solved at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-v-the-shellfish-riddle-solved-at-last) Sits on the shore like King Knut, communicates with the snail via interpreters, treats the snail's sprained tail, and considers taking a holiday. ### [The Last Cabinet Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-vi-the-last-cabinet-meeting) Absent from the meeting; has gone to the beach to sit with the snail, showing his distraction and longing for natural history. ### [VII: The Doctor's Decision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-vii-the-doctor-s-decision) Torn between duty to the Popsipetel natives and his longing to return to his animal work, he ultimately decides to leave, laying down his crown and boarding the snail. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/doctor_dolittle - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters