Tom Jones characters

First appears in chapter 4

A foundling discovered in Squire Allworthy's bed and raised in his household. As he grows up, Tom is generous, warmhearted, impulsive, and repeatedly led into trouble by appetite and poor judgment.

Appears from the start

A wealthy Somerset landowner known for benevolence and moral seriousness. He takes the abandoned infant Tom into his home and determines to provide for him despite the disapproval of others.

First appears in chapter 2

Allworthy's unmarried sister, who lives with him when Tom is found. Reserved and conscious of propriety, she eventually marries Captain Blifil and becomes the mother of a son raised beside Tom.

First appears in chapter 13

Bridget's legitimate son and Allworthy's nephew, brought up with Tom in the same household. His serious manner, religious language, and outward obedience win the approval of the adults responsible for the boys.

First appears in chapter 33

The daughter and only child of Squire Western, raised on the neighboring estate. Beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate, she forms her own judgments despite her father's loud and domineering expectations.

First appears in chapter 33

Sophia's father, a wealthy country squire devoted to hunting, drink, and the authority he assumes over his household. He is affectionate toward Sophia but expects her marriage to follow his interests and commands.

First appears in chapter 24

One of the tutors hired to educate Tom and Blifil. A severe clergyman, he stresses religious discipline and tends to interpret Blifil's sober behavior more favorably than Tom's open impulsiveness.

First appears in chapter 25

A philosopher employed alongside Thwackum as tutor to Tom and Blifil. He appeals to abstract virtue and reason, frequently arguing with Thwackum while sharing his preference for the outwardly respectable Blifil.

First appears in chapter 16

A village schoolmaster and barber-surgeon whom Allworthy investigates after the discovery of Tom. His connection with Jenny Jones makes him vulnerable to suspicion and public disgrace.

First appears in chapter 6

An educated young servant accused of being the mother of the infant found in Allworthy's house. She accepts Allworthy's questioning with composure and is sent away from the parish after the scandal.

First appears in chapter 28

Squire Western's gamekeeper, a poor man with a large family. Tom is loyal to him and repeatedly helps him, even when George's conduct gives Tom's critics evidence against the young foundling.

First appears in chapter 36

Black George's bold and attractive daughter. Her relationship with Tom becomes public when she is believed to be pregnant by him, creating scandal in the neighboring households.

First appears in chapter 107

A woman whom Tom rescues after a violent attack near Upton. Traveling under the name Mrs Waters, she responds warmly to his protection and becomes his companion at the inn.

First appears in chapter 120

Sophia's cousin, an unhappy married woman fleeing her husband. Her journey intersects with Sophia's escape, and the two women travel together while their families pursue them.

First appears in chapter 146

A fashionable London widow with social influence and an appetite for intrigue. She becomes strongly attracted to Tom and expects discretion and compliance in return for her favor.

First appears in chapter 147

A sociable young gentleman whom Tom meets at Mrs Miller's London lodgings. Though his own romantic conduct is compromised, he becomes Tom's friend and is capable of loyalty when Tom needs practical help.

First appears in chapter 169

An aristocratic admirer of Sophia whose rank and fortune make him attractive to those managing her future. Accustomed to privilege, he is encouraged to believe that his desire should outweigh Sophia's refusal.