This is a typical rags-to-riches story about a young boy growing to success through honorable behavior and hard work. The prominent personage is Ragged Dick, a fourteen-year-old bootblack who earns a living by cleaning shoes, and his only joy is smoking and occasional drinking. Yet, his main virtue is prudence. He won't steal at any occasion and dreams to succeed by earnest work. However, good strangers notice his determination to live a better life and help him either by paying an excellent salary to rent a room or offering him a job and clothing. Eventually, Dick quits drinking and smoking and grows into an honorable young gentleman. Hence, he calls himself Richard Hunter, Esq.