Dickon Sowerby is a young boy living on the Yorkshire moors near Misselthwaite Manor, part of the Sowerby family with his mother Susan, sister Martha, and several siblings. His life spent outdoors on the moors has fostered a profound connection with nature and wildlife.

He possesses an uncanny ability to befriend wild creatures, often seen with a friendly fox, a blue crow, and purple squirrels among his companions. This bond leads him to protect animals from threats, such as preventing hunters from capturing a fox for its fur, demonstrating his compassionate nature.

His sister Martha introduces him to Mary Lennox, sparking a significant friendship. Dickon assists Mary in reviving the secret garden, supplying tools and sharing his deep horticultural knowledge crucial to its restoration. Working alongside her, he observes the garden's transformative effect on Mary's physical and emotional state.

Dickon later joins Mary and her cousin, Colin Craven, in the garden. He aids Colin's physical recovery by encouraging outdoor activity and teaching him gardening skills, often acting as a stabilizing mediator during conflicts between Mary and Colin. Their joint efforts successfully restore the garden and improve Colin's health.

Despite his family facing financial hardship, with his mother working multiple jobs, Dickon shows thoughtful kindness, exemplified by procuring a skipping rope for Mary. His interactions consistently display patience and kindness, especially evident as he guides Mary through her early difficulties at the manor.

The adaptation depicts Dickon and his family with tanned skin, an intentional creative choice representing a departure from the source material and adding diversity to the Yorkshire setting.