Daddy Long Legs characters

Also known as Judy Abbott

Appears from the start

An eighteen-year-old who has grown up at the John Grier Home and is its oldest remaining resident. Bright, imaginative, and keenly aware of the humiliations attached to charity, she earns a chance at college when an unnamed trustee notices her talent for writing. She must send him monthly letters even though he does not intend to answer them. She signs herself Judy once she enters college, treating the new name as part of the independent life she hopes to make.

Also known as Mr. John Smith, Daddy-Long-Legs

Appears from the start

The wealthy, anonymous trustee who offers to pay for Jerusha's college education after reading one of her essays. He asks only for regular letters about her studies and progress, which are to be addressed to the deliberately ordinary name John Smith. Jerusha knows him chiefly through his secretary and through the long-legged shadow she once glimpsed as he left the orphanage, so she privately calls him Daddy-Long-Legs.

Appears from the start

The severe superintendent of the John Grier Home, where Jerusha has spent her childhood. She summons Jerusha after a trustee meeting and explains the unusual scholarship, emphasizing obedience, gratitude, and the monthly letters expected in return.

First appears in chapter 2

One of Judy's college roommates and her closest friend there. Friendly, practical, and part of a large, affectionate family, Sallie gives Judy an example of ordinary family life very different from the institution in which she was raised.

First appears in chapter 2

Judy's wealthy and socially assured college roommate. Julia initially makes Judy more conscious of the education and family connections she lacks, but their acquaintance gradually becomes friendlier. She belongs to the prominent Pendleton family.

Also known as Master Jervie

First appears in chapter 3

Julia Pendleton's unconventional young uncle, who visits the college and takes an easy interest in Judy without treating her as a charity case. He is less formal than the rest of his family, enjoys books and travel, and becomes a welcome friend during Judy's college years.

First appears in chapter 3

Sallie McBride's athletic older brother, whom Judy meets through the McBride family. His friendly attention and visits make him part of Judy's widening social world beyond college.