Mr. John Pendleton
Chapter 9 - Which Tells of the Man
John Pendleton — aliases: the Man
The Man initially ignores Pollyanna’s greetings before abruptly stopping to scowl at her, eventually offering a stiff 'good afternoon' that breaks years of silence. He is identified by Nancy as a wealthy, lonely recluse who travels to heathen countries and writes books, living frugily despite his fortune.
Chapter 13 - In Pendleton Woods
John Pendleton / Mr. Pendleton — aliases: the Man
Pendleton lies injured at the foot of a rock ledge, initially snapping at Pollyanna before directing her to his house to summon Dr. Chilton. He accepts her help in positioning his head, watching her with a grim smile as she demonstrates her unwavering cheerfulness despite his harsh demeanor.
Chapter 15 - Dr. Chilton
John Pendleton — aliases: the man, Mr. Pendleton
John Pendleton lies injured in bed, initially hostile but gradually laughing at Pollyanna's absurd logic about being glad he only broke one leg and didn't save money for himself. He is stunned when she reveals she knows he saves money for the heathen, and appears visibly white and longing when he realizes she lives with Miss Polly Harrington, becoming distant when she confirms the jelly was not from her aunt.
Chapter 17 - "Just Like a Book"
John Pendleton — aliases: Mr. Pendleton
John Pendleton smiles at Pollyanna and thanks her for her past visits and the jelly, noting her bravery. He retrieves a carved box filled with travel curiosities to show her, sharing entertaining stories about each item. He admits that he previously wanted to avoid her because she reminded him of painful memories, but confesses that his loneliness now makes him eager to see her often.
Chapter 18 - Prisms
Pendleton / John — aliases: Mr. Pendleton
Pendleton explains how the rainbow appeared on his pillow and orders his maid to retrieve a candelabrum to create a rainbow effect in the room. He listens to Pollyanna's explanation of her game and tenderly tells her that she is the finest prism of all.
Chapter 19 - Which is Somewhat Surprising
Mr. Pendleton / John Pendleton
Complaining about Pollyanna's absence due to school, Pendleton asks her to live with him and reveals his lifelong regret over not bringing his former love to his house. He becomes terrified when Pollyanna suggests Aunt Polly join them, begging her to say nothing of the matter before the doctor appears and checks his racing pulse.
Chapter 20 - Which is More Surprising
Pendleton / John Pendleton / Mr. John Pendleton
Mr. Pendleton anxiously puzzles over Pollyanna's previous claims of romance between him and Miss Polly, eventually revealing that he loved Pollyanna's mother, Jennie, long ago. He confesses his deep loneliness and wealth, asking Pollyanna to live with him to share his happiness, but grows irritable and alarmed when she reveals she told Dr. Chilton about her plans.
Chapter 21 - A Question Answered
John Pendleton — aliases: Mr. Pendleton
John Pendleton sits in his library, initially resentful when Pollyanna declines to live with him. He expresses a preference for lonesomeness over taking in Jimmy Bean. However, after Pollyanna reveals the secret of his 'skeleton in the closet,' he laughs heartily, breaking his gloom. He listens to Pollyanna's story about Jimmy Bean and agrees to invite the boy to call on him.