Dick Tipton, born into poverty as a poor farmer's son in Cedric Errol's village, saw his family's circumstances deteriorate. Left homeless after his parents' death, he became a Brooklyn bootblack, forming a close friendship with Cedric and grocer Mr. Hobbs. Despite financial struggles, he maintained a consistently cheerful and optimistic disposition, showing no resentment toward Cedric's privilege and instead admiring his manners.

He demonstrated loyalty and physical courage, notably defending Cedric from bullies insulting Cedric's mother. His compassion extended to animals; he frequently cared for stray cats and fed birds with crumbs carried in his pocket. When Cedric inherited wealth and title, Dick benefited from his friend's generosity, receiving funds to establish his own shoeshine stand and buy out his drunken business partner.

Dick's background proved significant when he recognized Minna, an impostor claiming her son was the rightful heir, in a newspaper photograph. He identified her as the former wife of his older brother Ben, who had moved to California to start a cattle ranch after Minna abandoned their child. Acting on this knowledge, Dick traveled to England with Ben to expose Minna's fraudulent claim to the Earldom of Dorincourt. This intervention resolved the inheritance dispute, confirming Cedric's rightful status. Ben returned to California with his son, while Dick's role underscored his resourcefulness and unwavering loyalty to Cedric.