Question

who was johnsy in the story the last leaf of o Henry

Answer 1

In his short story "The Last Leaf" O. Henry exploits the romantic belief in the inherent goodness, unselfishness, and dignity of people. Also typical of his narratives is the oral voice of the raconteur who is somewhat melodramatic. 

As are many of O. Henry's stories, this one is set in New York, specifically in Greenwich Village, where the artistically-inclined migrate. Living in the atelier of a three-story brick apartment building, Sue, who is from Maine, and Joanna (Johnny), who comes from California, are two aspiring painters. In a "dimly-lit den" below them lives "Old Behrman," a little curmudgeon.

The plot revolves around the condition of the Californian who, unaccustomed to cold winters, contracts pneumonia, personified as "Mr. Pneumonia," so it may be considered as a character. There is also an appearance of an unnamed doctor, who comes to treat Johnsy, telling her friend Sue that depression is setting into Johnsy; therefore, Sue needs to promote something as a reason for the girl to live, who cares deeply for Johnsy, railing against "...that dot silly pusiness to come in der brain of her" as he says in his Yiddish accent. Later, miraculously, the leaf does not fall, so Johnsy decides that she will, indeed, live for it "is a sin" to wish to die. As it turns out, the leaf was painted during a storm by little Behrman, whom "Mr. Pneumonia" has claimed in Johnsy's place. 

"Your little lady has made up her mind that she's not going to get well.... Has she anything on her mind worth thinking about twice--a man, for instance?"

When Sue responds that Johnsy has no boyfriend, the doctor urges her to think of something to hold her mind that will better her chances to get well. But, there is nothing. So, when she learns that Johnsy has counted the leaves on a branch outside her window that have fallen, marking her own death with theirs, she desperately seeks help from Behrman.