What was the rat's name in Pinocchio? - briefly
The rodent that appears in the Pinocchio narrative is not assigned a personal name; it is simply referred to as a rat. Consequently, the story provides no specific name for the character.
What was the rat's name in Pinocchio? - in detail
The rat that appears in Disney’s 1940 feature is named J. Worthington. He is a minor character, introduced during the sequence in Stromboli’s puppet theater. J. Worthington scurries across the stage while the puppets perform, providing comic relief and emphasizing the chaotic atmosphere of the circus‑like setting.
In the original Italian tale by Carlo Collodi, no rat is given a personal name; the animal presence serves only as a generic obstacle for Pinocchio. The Disney adaptation assigns the name J. Worthington to give the creature a distinct identity, a practice common in the studio’s effort to flesh out background figures.
Voice work for the character was supplied by a studio staff member rather than a credited actor, reflecting the brief nature of his screen time. The design follows the classic Disney style of the era: exaggerated facial features, a sleek grey coat, and oversized eyes that convey curiosity and mischief.
Although J. Worthington’s role does not affect the plot, his inclusion adds texture to the puppet‑theater environment, illustrating the bustling, uncontrolled world that Pinocchio temporarily inhabits before his rescue by Geppetto.