The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling characters

First appears in chapter 2

A prosperous Somerset landowner known for generosity, justice, and moral seriousness. Returning home, he discovers an abandoned baby in his bed and decides to raise the child despite the scandal and uncertainty surrounding his birth.

First appears in chapter 2

The infant found in Squire Allworthy's bed and taken into his household as a foundling. His unknown parentage immediately makes him dependent on Allworthy's judgment and vulnerable to the assumptions of everyone around them.

First appears in chapter 2

Allworthy's unmarried sister, who shares his house when Tom is discovered. Reserved and outwardly proper, she accepts her brother's decision to raise the foundling.

First appears in chapter 4

A young servant and schoolmaster's wife who is identified as the foundling's mother. Allworthy treats her with unusual mercy, but the admission costs her place in the community and leaves the child's paternity unresolved.

First appears in chapter 15

A schoolmaster whose learning and poverty make him an easy target when the parish decides he must be Tom's father. Suspicion ruins his school and marriage, and he disappears from the district under a cloud.

Also known as Master Blifil

First appears in chapter 13

The son of Bridget Allworthy and Captain Blifil, raised with Tom as Allworthy's acknowledged nephew and expected heir. He is sober and dutiful in appearance, qualities that win adult approval even when his private motives are less generous.

First appears in chapter 24

A loud, energetic country landowner, Allworthy's neighbor, and Sophia's father. He cares far more for hunting, food, and direct action than refinement, and expects his daughter to obey him in matters of marriage.

First appears in chapter 34

Squire Western's intelligent and compassionate daughter. Admired for her beauty, she is also capable of firm independent judgment and sees worth in Tom that the adults concerned with birth and inheritance overlook.

First appears in chapter 25

A poor gamekeeper in Squire Western's service and one of Tom's early companions. When hardship threatens his family, Tom accepts blame and punishment to protect him, an act that helps define the difference between Tom and Blifil.

First appears in chapter 38

Black George's forceful and attractive daughter. Her relationship with Tom complicates his growing feelings for Sophia, while her family's poverty makes her conduct an object of unusually harsh public judgment.

First appears in chapter 37

Sophia's maid and confidante. She is talkative, practical, and attentive to rank and rewards, but helps her mistress resist a marriage she does not want and accompanies her away from home.

First appears in chapter 104

A woman Tom rescues from a violent attack on the road near Upton. Intelligent and socially adaptable, she presents herself as a respectable gentlewoman and accepts Tom's protection and company at the inn.

First appears in chapter 145

A fashionable London woman and a relation of Sophia's who takes charge of Sophia after her arrival in the city. She is socially powerful, skilled at secrecy, and soon develops her own interest in Tom.

First appears in chapter 146

A kind widow in London whose household gives Tom an affordable home and a circle of friends. Her gratitude toward Allworthy and her concern for her daughters make her a loyal advocate when Tom's position becomes dangerous.

First appears in chapter 148

A sociable young gentleman lodging with Mrs Miller. He becomes Tom's friend and assists with Tom's London schemes, while his own secret relationship with Mrs Miller's daughter Nancy tests whether he will match good intentions with responsibility.

First appears in chapter 166

A titled admirer of Sophia whom Lady Bellaston promotes as a socially acceptable rival to Tom. His rank gives him confidence that Sophia's wishes can be overcome by pressure and family authority.