History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

Tom Jones

Also known as the hero · Mr Jones · our hero · the young gentleman · the gentleman in his shirt · Thomas Jones · the foundling · the bastard of yours · your adopted son

Bridget Allworthy and Mr Summer’s son, raised by Allworthy, and Sophia’s husband. He and Sophia share enduring affection and are praised for their kindness and generosity toward their relations, friends, neighbours, tenants, and servants.

Sophia Western

Also known as Miss Sophia Western · Sophia · Miss Western · Sophy · Madam Sophia · the Somersetshire angel · young Madam Western · his angel · Miss Sophia · Sophia’s cousin · the little b—

Squire Western’s daughter and Tom’s wife. She and Tom share enduring affection and are praised for their kindness and generosity toward their relations, friends, neighbours, tenants, and servants.

Mr Allworthy

Also known as Allworthy · squire Allworthy

A wealthy gentleman who raised Tom as his adopted son and learns that Tom is his nephew, Bridget’s son. He exposes Blifil’s deceit, reconciles with Tom, and supports Tom and Sophia after their marriage.

Mr Dowling

Also known as the attorney · the good attorney · Dowling

A Salisbury lawyer and Allworthy’s steward. He admits that Blifil sent him to influence witnesses against Tom and concealed Bridget’s deathbed message that Tom was her son.

Mrs Waters

Also known as the redeemed lady · the rescued woman · the fair companion · the lady · J. Waters

A woman who lived with Captain Waters and Mr Fitzpatrick as his wife. She helps reveal that Bridget Allworthy was Tom’s mother; Allworthy later settles a pension on her, and she marries Parson Supple.

Mr Blifil

Also known as Blifil · the nephew · young Mr Blifil · Master Blifil · the young squire

Bridget Allworthy’s son and Tom’s cousin, raised with him. He concealed his mother’s deathbed message about Tom’s parentage and arranged for Dowling to influence witnesses against Tom; after confessing, he leaves Allworthy’s household and lives on an allowance.

Bridget Allworthy

Also known as Miss Bridget Allworthy · Mrs Bridget · Mrs Blifil · Miss Bridget

Allworthy’s sister and Blifil’s mother. On her deathbed she told Dowling that Tom was her son and Allworthy’s nephew, confirming that she had concealed Tom’s birth.

Mrs Miller

Also known as the mistress of the house

A generous widow and mother of Nancy and Betty, who champions Tom and helps reconcile him with Allworthy. She tells Sophia the truth about Tom’s letter and later lives near the married Joneses.

Sophia’s father

Also known as Squire Western · Mr Western · Western · the squire · Sophia’s uncle · uncle Western

Sophia’s father, who first presses her to marry Blifil, then changes his mind when he learns of Blifil’s villainy and urges her to marry Tom. He reconciles with the couple, gives them most of his estate, and enjoys visiting their home.

Mr Nightingale

Also known as Nightingale · the young gentleman · the young gentleman of wisdom and vertu · young Mr Nightingale · Jack

Tom’s friend and Nancy Miller’s husband. He helps reveal that the letter to Lady Bellaston was his own invention; he and Nancy live near the Jones family.

Nancy Miller

Also known as Nancy · Nanny · Miss Nancy

Mrs Miller’s elder daughter and Mr Nightingale’s wife. She lives near the Jones family with her husband.

Mr Fitzpatrick

Also known as Fitzpatrick · Brian Fitzpatrick

Harriet’s estranged husband, wounded by Tom in a duel. He praises Tom’s conduct and agrees to a separation from Harriet after Lord Fellamar and the Irish peer intervene.

Mrs Fitzpatrick

Also known as Harriet · the strange lady

Sophia’s cousin, Harriet Fitzpatrick, now separated from her husband. She lives independently and remains close to the Irish peer’s wife.

Lord Fellamar

Also known as his lordship · the young nobleman · the young lord

A young nobleman who had pursued Sophia and arranged for Tom to be pressed into naval service. After learning of Tom’s character and status, he regrets his actions, helps secure Tom’s release, and gives up his hopes of Sophia.

the Irish peer

Also known as his lordship · the noble peer · the nobleman · the peer who visits Mrs Fitzpatrick

An unnamed Irish nobleman and Mrs Fitzpatrick’s close friend. He helps arrange her separation from Fitzpatrick and accompanies Lord Fellamar in securing Tom’s release.

the surgeon who treats Mr Fitzpatrick

Also known as the surgeon · Mr Fitzpatrick’s surgeon · the surgeon who dressed Mr Fitzpatrick

An unnamed surgeon who treats Fitzpatrick and testifies that he is out of danger, helping procure Tom’s release.

the king’s surgeon

An unnamed royal surgeon who examines Fitzpatrick and says he is in no danger of dying.

the two duel witnesses at the alehouse

Also known as the fellows

Two unnamed eyewitnesses to Tom’s fight with Fitzpatrick. Dowling admits Blifil sent him to find them and hint that they would be rewarded for telling the expected account.

the messenger who informs Squire Western of Sophia’s letter

Also known as Sister Western · Mrs Western

Sophia’s aunt, who informs Squire Western that Sophia has corresponded with Tom and later reconciles with her niece.

Mrs Hunt

Also known as Arabella Hunt

A wealthy widow and Mrs Miller’s friend who loves Tom and would marry him. Mrs Miller tells Sophia that Tom has refused her, and Sophia’s reaction suggests she still cares for him.

Mr Nightingale’s uncle

Also known as the uncle · the brother · old Nightingale

A retired trader and Mr Nightingale’s father’s brother. He reconciles with his daughter Harriet and her husband, and later drinks with Squire Western.

Mr Nightingale’s uncle’s daughter

Also known as his daughter · Harriet · the cousin

The daughter of Mr Nightingale’s uncle, who eloped with a neighbouring young clergyman. Her father reconciles with her and her husband.

the neighbouring young clergyman who elopes with Mr Nightingale’s cousin

Also known as the neighbouring young clergyman

An unnamed clergyman who eloped with Mr Nightingale’s uncle’s daughter. Her father eventually accepts their marriage and reconciles with them.

Mr Nightingale’s father

Also known as the old gentleman · the elder Mr Nightingale

A wealthy former trader who opposed his son’s marriage to Nancy. Persuaded by Allworthy and his rivalry with his brother, he reconciles with his son and agrees to dine with him.

the woman who had been Lady Bellaston’s confidante

Also known as the mistress of the house where the lovers had met

An unnamed woman whose house once hosted Lady Bellaston and Tom. After becoming a Methodist, she rebuked Lady Bellaston and refused to help her.

the servants who eject Mr Blifil

Also known as two or three lusty fellows

Unnamed strong men in Mrs Miller’s house, whom she says could remove Blifil if needed.

the servant who informs Allworthy of Mr Western’s arrival

Also known as a servant

An unnamed servant who tells Allworthy that Squire Western is waiting downstairs.

Mr Abraham Adams

Also known as Abraham Adams

A clergyman whom Allworthy takes into his household in place of Thwackum. Sophia is very fond of him and wants him to tutor her children.

Miss Molly Seagrim

Also known as Molly Seagrim · Molly

Black George’s daughter and Tom’s former lover. Jones gives her the largest share of the money he provides for Black George’s family; she is expected to marry Partridge.

Parson Supple

Also known as Mr Supple · the curate · the parson · doctor

The curate of Allworthy’s parish. He marries Mrs Waters after Western gives him a substantial church living at Sophia’s request.

the narrator

Also known as the historian

The participating narrative voice, which addresses the reader, comments on events and characters, and concludes the story.

Blifil’s rich Methodist widow

Also known as a very rich widow of that sect

An unnamed wealthy Methodist widow whom Blifil hopes to marry.

Tom and Sophia’s son

Also known as their boy

The unnamed son of Tom and Sophia, one of their two children.

Tom and Sophia’s daughter

Also known as their girl · the little grand-daughter

The unnamed daughter of Tom and Sophia, whom Squire Western delights in hearing chatter.

the other bridegroom at Mrs Miller’s dinner

Also known as Harriet’s bridegroom

The neighbouring young clergyman who married Mr Nightingale’s uncle’s daughter, Harriet.

Black George

Also known as the gamekeeper · George Seagrim · Mr Seagrim

Mr Allworthy’s former gamekeeper and Tom’s close friend. He visits Tom in prison and offers him money, then is discovered with Allworthy’s stolen bank-bills, which he had obtained from Tom.

Mr Partridge

Also known as Partridge · his friend · his master or companion · the pedagogue · the sage pedagogue

Tom’s travelling companion and former schoolmaster. He recognizes Mrs Waters as Tom’s mother and tells Tom and Allworthy of their unwitting incest; he continues to deny that he fathered Tom and recounts his years of hardship.

Mr Square

Also known as the philosopher

A learned tutor in Mr Allworthy’s household. In a deathbed letter he confesses that Tom was innocent of the earlier charge and praises Tom’s generosity, integrity, and filial devotion.

Mr Thwackum

Also known as the reverend Mr Thwackum · the parson · the pedagogue · the divine · the Reverend Mr Thwackum · Roger Thwackum

A clergyman and former tutor to Tom and Master Blifil. He writes Allworthy a self-serving letter condemning Tom and seeking a church living; Allworthy is offended by it.

Mr Summer

Also known as Summer

The son of a clergyman and a young man educated and supported by Mr Allworthy. He lived in Allworthy’s house and died of smallpox; he was Tom’s father by Bridget Allworthy.

Mrs Waters’s mother

Also known as her mother

An unnamed woman who helped Mrs Waters conceal Bridget Allworthy’s pregnancy and birth. She kept the infant at her house and carried him to Mr Allworthy’s bed on the evening of his return.

Mrs Deborah Wilkins

Also known as Mrs Deborah · Mrs Wilkins · Deborah

Mr Allworthy’s housekeeper, who cared for the foundling and investigated his parentage. Bridget sent her away on an errand before Tom’s birth to prevent her discovering the secret.

Mrs Miller’s son-in-law

Mr Nightingale, Mrs Miller’s son-in-law. He reports that Fitzpatrick is recovering and that Tom was not responsible for the duel.

the nurse who attends Mr Fitzpatrick

Also known as his nurse

An unnamed nurse entrusted with Mr Fitzpatrick’s care while Mrs Waters goes to visit Tom.

the gentleman who tells Mrs Waters about Tom

Also known as the gentleman

An unnamed man who visits Mrs Waters while she is staying with Fitzpatrick and tells her that Tom has been committed to the Gatehouse for the supposed murder. He is the person through whom she learns Tom’s identity and situation.

the man who comes to speak with Mrs Miller

Also known as a gentleman without

An unnamed visitor who summons Mrs Miller while she and Allworthy are discussing Tom. He is later identified as Mr Nightingale.

the servant who calls Mr Dowling or Mr Blifil

Also known as a servant

An unnamed servant who tells Mrs Miller that a gentleman wants to speak with her, and later is sent to summon Dowling or Blifil.

Robin

An unnamed servant who waited at supper in Squire Western’s household. He tells Black George that Western was unusually kind to Sophia and promised not to confine her.

Sophia’s maid Betty

Also known as Betty

An unnamed maid recommended by Lady Bellaston, formerly employed by her as a comb-brush. She watches Sophia and reports to Mrs Western.

the personified Fortune

Also known as Fortune

A personified force whom Tom blames for his misfortunes, while recognizing that his own folly and vice caused them.

the devil

Also known as an evil spirit

An evil being invoked by Partridge as the supposed contriver of Tom’s unwitting incest with his mother.

Henry Fielding

The participating narrator and authorial voice, who addresses readers and comments on the story and its telling.

the narrator’s personified Fortune

Also known as Fortune

A personified force whom the narrator describes as keeping further news in store for Tom.

the author’s abusive contemporaries

Also known as his abusive contemporaries

Unnamed writers whom the narrator says abused him and falsely attributed abusive writings to him.

the gentleman who knew Captain Blifil and wrote his epitaph

Also known as the man who wrote Captain Blifil’s epitaph

An unnamed man of great genius and integrity who knew Captain Blifil well and wrote his epitaph.

Mrs Waters’s former husband

Also known as Captain Waters · the captain

A captain with whom Mrs Waters lived as a wife for many years, though she says they were not legally married. She parted from him at Worcester while he marched against the rebels.

the person who first told Mrs Waters Tom’s identity

Also known as the gentleman who tells Mrs Waters about Tom · the gentleman

An unnamed visitor who, believing Mrs Waters to be Fitzpatrick’s wife, offered money to prosecute Tom if Tom had murdered Fitzpatrick. His conversation led her to discover that Tom was the man in prison.

the unknown benefactor

Also known as the unknown hand

An unnamed person who secretly provided Mr and Mrs Partridge with a £12 yearly pension until Mrs Partridge died. Partridge suspects Mr Allworthy was the benefactor.

the clergyman in Dorsetshire

Also known as the poor clergyman

An unnamed clergyman whose case the narrator cites: an attorney pursued him over a small trespass and multiplied the legal costs through another action.

the lawyer who pursued the clergyman

Also known as the attorney

An unnamed attorney who, according to the narrator’s note, used successive actions to raise a poor clergyman’s legal costs from a small sum to nearly £30.

Mr Allworthy’s friend, the father of Mr Summer

Also known as the clergyman of great learning and virtue

An unnamed clergyman of great learning and virtue, and a close friend of Mr Allworthy. He was Mr Summer’s father.

the minister who dismissed Partridge

Also known as the minister

An unnamed clergyman who removed Partridge from his position as parish clerk after Mr Allworthy’s displeasure led to Partridge’s ruin.

the judge at the pig-trespass case

Also known as my lord

An unnamed judge who presided when Partridge was sued after his pig entered a neighbour’s garden.

the lawyer who sued Partridge over his pig

An unnamed lawyer employed by Partridge’s proud and revengeful neighbour to sue him over a trespass by his pig.

Partridge’s neighbour in Lymington

Also known as the neighbour

An unnamed proud and revengeful man whose garden Partridge’s pig entered. He employed a lawyer to sue Partridge.

the two counsel at the hearing

Also known as the counsellors

Unnamed lawyers who argued against Partridge in the pig-trespass case; one accused him of driving hogs into other people’s gardens.

the physician who examined Mrs Blifil

Also known as Dr Y.

An unnamed doctor whom Mr Blifil says was absent when Bridget Allworthy was seized with gout and died within hours.

the second physician who examined Mrs Blifil

Also known as Dr Z.

An unnamed doctor who examined Captain Blifil’s body and said he died of epilepsy.

the servant who brings news of the duel witnesses

Also known as the servant

An unnamed servant who tells Mrs Miller that a gentleman outside wishes to speak with her immediately.

the officer who led Lord Fellamar’s gang

Also known as the officer

An unnamed officer who tells Mr Nightingale that he regrets agreeing to have Tom pressed aboard a ship, having been misled about Tom’s status.

the servant who searched Sophia’s pockets

An unnamed servant ordered by Squire Western to search Sophia’s pockets while she slept; the search finds her letter to Tom.

the man who advises Squire Western about Tom’s prosecution

Also known as the lawyer

Mr Dowling, whom Squire Western says told him there was little hope of hanging Tom because Fitzpatrick was alive and recovering.

the surgeons who treat Mr Fitzpatrick

Also known as the surgeon

The unnamed medical men attending Fitzpatrick. The king’s surgeon says he is in no danger of death.

Mr Dowling’s counsel

Also known as counsel

Unnamed legal counsel whom Dowling consults about Allworthy’s bank-bills and the possibility of bringing an action to recover their value.

the landlady at the inn in Lymington

An unnamed innkeeper mentioned in Partridge’s account of his years of work and schooling.

the gentleman belonging to the law in Salisbury

Also known as the lawyer

An unnamed lawyer who employed Partridge in Salisbury. Allworthy knows him and praises his charity and refusal to take oppressive cases.

the merry lawyer in Lymington

Also known as another lawyer

An unnamed lawyer who employed Partridge for more than three years in Lymington; Partridge describes him as one of England’s merriest gentlemen.

the attorneys who exploit the poor

Also known as attorneys

Attorneys whom the narrator criticizes for using legal actions and costs to oppress poor people and profit themselves.

the servant who escorts Mr Western to Allworthy

An unnamed servant who accompanies Squire Western to Mr Allworthy’s lodging.

the personified good genius

Also known as the good genius

A personified force whom the narrator says seems to have abandoned Tom in his distress.

Lady Bellaston

Also known as the lady · the great lady

A high-ranking woman who is Tom’s lover and rival to Sophia. She persuades Mrs Western and Lord Fellamar to hurry the proposed marriage, and has placed her former servant Betty with Sophia to watch her.

the landlady’s two daughters

Also known as her two daughters

Mrs Miller’s daughters, Nancy and Betty; Mrs Miller leaves with her younger daughter when the news of Tom’s arrest upsets her.

Betty Miller

Also known as Betty · Betsy · little Betsy

Mrs Miller’s younger daughter and Nancy’s sister. Tom calls her his “little wife,” gives her playthings, and spends time playing with her.

Mrs Honour

Also known as Honour · Sophia’s maid · Mrs Abigail · Abigail · the waiting-gentlewoman · the waiting-woman · the unamiable maid · Honour Blackmore

Sophia’s former maid and travelling companion. She has become attached to Lady Bellaston and passed on the instructions for Betty to watch Sophia.

Lady Betty

A woman in Mrs Western’s circle who is present when Squire Western visits his sister.

Lady Catherine

A woman in Mrs Western’s circle who is present when Squire Western visits his sister.

Lady Thomas Hatchet

A woman who is hosting a social gathering, or “drum,” that Sophia is expected to attend with her aunt and Lady Bellaston.

the chairmen who wait outside Mrs Miller’s house

Also known as her chairmen

Unnamed chairmen who wait outside while Lady Bellaston visits Tom late at night and make suggestive jokes to Partridge.

the two sailors who witnessed the duel

Also known as two of the fellows

Two unnamed members of a man-of-war’s crew who say they saw Tom strike the first blow in his encounter with Fitzpatrick. They state they will testify to this in court.

the seafaring gentleman who questioned the sailors

Also known as another gentleman

An unnamed seafaring man who urges the two sailors to consider that a man’s life is at stake and repeatedly asks whether they are certain of their account.

the crew of the man-of-war at Deptford

Also known as the crew

Unnamed sailors whose ship was at Deptford and who witnessed the beginning of Tom and Fitzpatrick’s encounter; most have gone ashore.

the turnkey

An unnamed prison officer who tells Tom that a lady has come to see him.

Plutarch

An ancient historian whose example the narrator cites when justifying the inclusion of small personal details.

the landlady of the house where the squire lodged

Also known as the landlady

An unnamed innkeeper who charges Squire Western an extraordinary price for rooms. Concerned about Sophia’s confinement, she nevertheless avoids interfering because Western is wealthy and temperamental.

the maid of the house

Also known as the maid

An unnamed servant at the house where Squire Western lodges. Her favourable account of Sophia’s sweetness is confirmed by Western’s other servants.

the message-bearing servant of Sophia’s aunt

Also known as one of her servants · an old servant of her aunt Western

An unnamed servant of Mrs Western who helps Mrs Fitzpatrick find where her aunt is lodging. Mrs Fitzpatrick knows the servant well.

the messenger who summons Mr Blifil

Also known as the messenger

An unnamed messenger Squire Western sends from an inn to tell Blifil that he has found Sophia and wants him to come to London for the marriage.

William Shakespeare

Also known as Shakespear · Shakespeare

The playwright whose tragedy Othello is cited in a comparison to Mr Fitzpatrick’s jealousy.

Hamlet

Also known as Prince of Denmark · squire Hamlet

The title character in Shakespeare’s play, performed at the theatre Tom, Partridge, and Mrs Miller attend. Partridge mistakes Hamlet’s acting for genuine fear.

the Ghost in Hamlet

Also known as the ghost · his father's spirit · the warrior upon the stage

The ghost of Hamlet’s father in the play being performed. Partridge initially doubts the actor is a ghost, then becomes frightened by the scene.

David Garrick

Also known as Garrick

An actor whom the narrator calls the greatest genius in tragedy. Partridge praises his performance as the Ghost in Hamlet, though he believes Hamlet is the better actor.

the actor playing the king in Hamlet

Also known as the king

An unnamed actor in the play who performs the king in Hamlet. Partridge prefers him to the actor playing Hamlet, praising his clear and loud delivery.

the officer who commands Lord Fellamar’s gang

Also known as the officer

An unnamed officer leading men employed by Lord Fellamar to follow Tom. After Tom wounds Fitzpatrick, he has Tom arrested and delivered to a constable.

the men employed by Lord Fellamar

Also known as the gang · a number of fellows · these fellows

Unnamed men who follow Tom on Lord Fellamar’s orders. They seize Tom after his duel with Fitzpatrick and make jokes about the wounded man.

the constable who takes Tom into custody

Also known as the constable

An unnamed constable who receives Tom from Lord Fellamar’s officer, treats him civilly, and takes him before a justice after learning Fitzpatrick’s wound is believed mortal.

the messenger sent to enquire after Fitzpatrick

Also known as a messenger

An unnamed messenger sent by the constable to ask about Fitzpatrick’s condition. He returns with the report that the wound is mortal and there is no hope of recovery.

the justice before whom Tom is brought

Also known as the justice

An unnamed magistrate before whom Tom is taken after the duel. On the surgeon’s testimony that Fitzpatrick’s wound is believed mortal, he commits Tom to the Gatehouse.

the servant who brings Sophia’s letter to Tom

Also known as the messenger

An unnamed person who brings a message to Partridge at the Gatehouse, nearly frightening him out of his wits.

the innkeeper’s landlord

Also known as the landlord

An unnamed landlord whose house is the setting for the argument between Squire Western and Mrs Western; he is otherwise occupied when Mrs Western arrives.

the letter’s recipient, Mrs Honour

Also known as Mrs Honour · Honour · Sophia’s maid · Mrs Abigail · Abigail · the waiting-gentlewoman · the waiting-woman · the unamiable maid · Honour Blackmore

Sophia’s maid and travelling companion. Her account of Sophia’s plight prompts Tom’s heartfelt letter to Sophia.

Oroöndates

A figure whose eloquence the narrator compares to the sentiments Tom expresses for Sophia.

The Fatal Marriage

A tragedy Sophia had been reading before this section; its title is mentioned in the accumulated character list but the play itself is not a character.

the innkeeper’s wife from the seventh book

Also known as the quarrelsome wife

An unnamed landlady whom the narrator distinguishes from other innkeepers’ wives.

the innkeeper’s wife from the ninth book

An unnamed landlady whom the narrator distinguishes from the landlady in the seventh book.

the old gentleman who used to speak about children

Also known as a wise old gentleman

An unnamed man whose saying that children doing nothing are doing mischief introduces the narrator’s discussion of Lady Bellaston’s hidden jealousy.

the personified evil spirit in human form

Also known as some other evil spirit cloathed in human flesh

A hypothetical evil agent mentioned by the narrator as working to make Tom miserable through Sophia’s ruin.

the personified devil

Also known as the devil · an evil spirit

An evil being invoked by the narrator as a possible agent of Tom’s misery over Sophia. The narrator also mentions a human being clothed in evil as an alternative.

the personified evil spirit in human flesh

A hypothetical embodiment of evil mentioned by the narrator as working to ruin Sophia and make Tom miserable.

the author of the new play

An unnamed playwright whose new play was being performed at a theatre earlier in the story.

the dramatic writer who preferred plays to prologues

An unnamed writer whom the narrator says preferred writing a play to writing its prologue.

the author who first instituted the prologue

An unnamed dramatic writer credited by the narrator with first establishing the practice of prefacing plays with a prologue.

the two celebrated actresses

Two unnamed actresses whom the narrator praises for studying nature rather than imitating predecessors.

the theatrical audience

Also known as all who sat within hearing

The unnamed spectators at the play who pay more attention to Partridge’s comments than to the stage.

the man who plays Hamlet

Also known as the player who acts Hamlet

An unnamed actor in the play, whom the audience considers one of the finest players on stage. Partridge thinks he could perform just as well.

the man who plays Hamlet’s mother

Also known as his mother

An unnamed actor playing Hamlet’s mother in the play. Partridge approves of Hamlet’s treatment of her, believing she deserves it for her wickedness.

the man playing the grave-digger

Also known as the grave-digger

An unnamed actor in the grave-digging scene, whom Partridge criticises for handling the spade clumsily.

the man playing the king’s ghost

Also known as the ghost

An unnamed actor who plays the ghost in Hamlet and frightens Partridge.

the messenger who brought news of Sophia’s whereabouts

Also known as the man who has Sophia’s whereabouts

An unnamed person whose information about Sophia’s confinement comes to Tom through Mrs Honour.

the servant who announces Sophia’s absence

Also known as the footman

An unnamed servant who tells Squire Western that Sophia cannot be found.

the Lord’s household at his London house

The unnamed household preparing dinner for the lord travelling with Sophia.

the young lady’s mother

Also known as the mother

Sophia’s mother, Squire Western’s late wife. Lady Bellaston says Western tyrannized over her.

the young lady’s father

Also known as the father

Squire Western, Sophia’s father. He interrupts Lord Fellamar’s assault on Sophia and later confines her to force a marriage.

the father who arranged the match for Sophia

Also known as the country booby squire

Squire Western, Sophia’s father, whom Lady Bellaston disparages while encouraging Lord Fellamar to seek Sophia.

the young lady who would be married to Lord Fellamar

Also known as the cousin

Sophia Western, whom Lady Bellaston presents to Lord Fellamar as a wealthy and beautiful match while concealing her love for Tom.

the man who has Sophia’s affections

Also known as the rival

Tom Jones, whom Lady Bellaston describes to Lord Fellamar as a beggar and foundling, and as Sophia’s romantic attachment.

the Lord travelling with Sophia

Also known as his lordship · Sophia’s companion in the coach

An unnamed lord who travels with Sophia in a coach-and-six toward London. Lady Bellaston says she will arrange dinner at his London house.

the woman expected at Lady Bellaston’s dinner

Also known as Lady Betty

An unnamed woman whom Lady Bellaston expects at dinner with Lord Fellamar, Sophia, and others.

Miss Eagle

An unnamed woman expected at Lady Bellaston’s dinner with Lord Fellamar, Sophia, and others.

Colonel Hampsted

An unnamed colonel expected at Lady Bellaston’s dinner with Lord Fellamar, Sophia, and others.

the innkeeper at the Hercules Pillars

Also known as the landlord of the Hercules Pillars · the landlord at the Hercules Pillars

An unnamed innkeeper at Hyde Park Corner who earlier recommended lodgings in Piccadilly to Squire Western. Mrs Western’s servant stops there and learns where her brother is lodging.

Mrs Etoff

Also known as Etoff · Lady Bellaston’s maid · Mrs Etoff, Lady Bellaston’s maid

Lady Bellaston’s maid. She is involved in arranging Honour’s new position in Lady Bellaston’s household.

Mrs Hunt’s first husband

Also known as the old Turkey merchant

An unnamed wealthy Turkey merchant whom Mrs Hunt married young at her relations’ arrangement. She lived with him for about twelve years; he died and left her rich.

the gentleman who delivers Lord Fellamar’s message

Also known as the very genteel man · the officer

An unnamed, well-dressed gentleman sent by Lord Fellamar to seek an acknowledgment from Squire Western for insulting him. When Western refuses, he strikes him with a stick; the parson calls him a highwayman.

the servant who attends Mr Nightingale’s uncle’s house

Also known as the servant

An unnamed servant left to care for Mr Nightingale after his uncle rushes away. He wakes the drunken Nightingale and helps him return to Mrs Miller’s house.

the messenger who brings news of Mr Nightingale’s cousin

Also known as a messenger

An unnamed messenger who tells Mr Nightingale’s uncle that his daughter has eloped with a neighbouring young clergyman.

the man who brings Mrs Honour an offer of employment

An unnamed person who brings Mrs Honour word that Lady Bellaston will employ her as her own woman.

the bridegroom at the arranged match

Also known as the bridegroom

Mr Nightingale, who marries Nancy Miller at Doctors’ Commons after Tom helps secure their match.

the young woman who is the bride

Also known as the bride

Nancy Miller, whom Mr Nightingale marries at Doctors’ Commons.

Cicero

Also known as Tully

A Roman author whom the narrator cites as an example of eloquence that could not have rescued Tom from his awkward situation.

Machiavel

Also known as Machiavelli

A political writer whom the narrator invokes as an example of cleverness that could not have rescued Tom from his awkward situation.

Terence

The Roman playwright whose words about sharing in humanity’s joys and sorrows are cited to explain Tom’s compassion.

Prior

A poet whose lines about honour beyond the rules of vice, virtue, and law are cited in the narrator’s discussion of Mrs Miller’s conscience.

Addison

A writer whose comparison of Caesar’s advance over the Alps and Pyrenees is quoted by the narrator on the power of hope.

Caesar

The Roman leader whom Addison’s quoted lines describe as advancing over the Alps and Pyrenees.

Adonis

A figure from classical mythology whom Lady Bellaston invokes in complimenting Tom’s appearance.

the young man formerly kept by Lady Bellaston

Also known as the young fellow

An unnamed man whom Mr Nightingale says Lady Bellaston once kept. When he proposed marriage to her, she dismissed him.

the young woman’s father

Also known as the mother

Sophia’s mother, Squire Western’s late wife. She died when Sophia was eleven, and Sophia remembers her as a loving mother.

the young Chevalier

Also known as the young Pretender

The Stuart claimant whom Squire Western’s sister mentions when comparing political circumstances in Holland.

Lewis the Fourteenth

Also known as Louis XIV

The French king whom Squire Western’s sister says once stood at the gates of Amsterdam.

the woman whom Mr Nightingale’s father has chosen for him

An unnamed woman of fortune whom Mr Nightingale’s father has arranged for him to marry. She is later identified as Miss Harris, and Nightingale’s uncle considers her ugly, silly, and ill-natured.

the other sister of Nancy Miller

An unnamed daughter of Mrs Miller who cries and laments with her mother when Nancy is in distress. She is present when Mr Nightingale’s uncle visits the family.

the father of the young woman chosen for Mr Nightingale

Also known as the other father · the father of the future bride

An unnamed man who has negotiated a marriage between his daughter and Mr Nightingale. He leaves Mr Nightingale’s father pleased with their bargaining, each believing he has prevailed.

Miss Harris

Also known as the young lady of fortune · the young lady whom Mr Nightingale’s father intended for his son

A wealthy woman whom Mr Nightingale’s father selected as a bride for his son without having met her. The text describes her as tall, thin, ugly, affected, silly, and ill-natured.

Mr Nightingale’s uncle’s wife

Also known as the daughter of an unbeneficed clergyman · his wife

A good-humoured woman of modest means who has lived happily with Mr Nightingale’s uncle for twenty-five years. She is the mother of their children, of whom only one daughter survived to adulthood.

the four clergymen at whist

Also known as the gentlemen of the cloth

Four unnamed clergymen whom Mr Nightingale finds playing cards by his fire and spilling porter on his book.

the young nobleman who escorted Sophia from the play

Also known as the young lord · his lordship

Lord Fellamar, who escorted Sophia safely to her chair after a disturbance at the playhouse and became enamoured of her. Lady Bellaston manipulates him into plotting to force Sophia into marriage; he begins to assault her, but stops when Squire Western arrives.

Mr Edwards

Also known as Tom Edwards

A member of Lady Bellaston’s society of habitual fib-tellers. At her cue, he invents a story that Tom has been killed in a duel, provoking Sophia to faint.

Colonel Wilcox

Also known as Ned

A colonel whom Mr Edwards falsely claims has killed Tom in a duel; the story is fabricated to distress Sophia.

Mr Hook

Also known as Hook

A writer whom Lady Bellaston cites for a claim that the Sabine women made good wives after being abducted.

the servants at Lady Bellaston’s house

Also known as the servants

Unnamed household servants whom Mrs Honour says gossip about Lady Bellaston’s secret meetings with men. Lady Bellaston arranges for them to clear the house and keep Lord Fellamar’s visit private.

the Roman satirist

An unnamed satirist whose view denies Fortune’s divinity.

Seneca

A philosopher whose view, like that of the Roman satirist, denies Fortune’s divinity.

the town

Also known as the young gentlemen who call themselves the town

A group of young men who caused a disturbance at the playhouse that frightened Sophia.

the honourable club of heroes

An unnamed club whose members supposedly resolved to fight at least once each day.

the members of Lady Bellaston’s society

Also known as the brethren and sisterhood · the little world

A society of people who tell and spread at least one merry fib each day, chiefly for amusement. Lady Bellaston uses fellow member Mr Edwards in her scheme against Sophia.

the devil who is said to preside over the society

Also known as the devil

A figure in a false tale about Lady Bellaston’s society, said to sit in an elbow-chair as its president; the narrator says the story is untrue.

Helen

The woman in the ancient story of Paris, whom Lady Bellaston invokes to excuse the use of force in seduction.

Paris

The man in the ancient story of Helen, whom Lady Bellaston cites while encouraging Lord Fellamar to use force.

the Sabine women

Also known as the Sabine ladies

Women in an ancient story of abduction, whom Lady Bellaston claims became good wives afterward.

Lady Edgely

A woman from whom Lady Bellaston proposes to obtain a dram for Lord Fellamar.

Demosthenes

An ancient orator whom the narrator compares with Cicero while noting that neither could have persuaded Lord Fellamar as effectively as Lady Bellaston’s taunts.

the personified genius

Also known as the genius

A personified force in Shakespeare’s quoted passage, depicted as part of the inner council during a person’s conflict.

the servant who announces Lord Fellamar

Also known as the servant

An unnamed servant who tells Lady Bellaston that Lord Fellamar is waiting downstairs.

the personified honour

Also known as honour

A personified quality in the narrator’s account of Lord Fellamar’s inner struggle; it eventually prevails over his desire to assault Sophia.

the personified appetite

Also known as appetite

A personified force in the narrator’s account of Lord Fellamar’s struggle against his desire to assault Sophia.

the novel-reading woman

Also known as the young woman reading

Sophia, who is alone reading the tragedy The Fatal Marriage when Lord Fellamar enters her room.

Isabella

Also known as the distressed Isabella

A character in The Fatal Marriage, the tragedy Sophia is reading when Lord Fellamar enters. She is at the point in the play where she gives away her wedding ring.

the Squire’s myrmidons

Also known as the set of myrmidons

Unnamed attendants who follow Squire Western into Lady Bellaston’s house.

the rest of Lady Bellaston’s household

Unnamed household members whom Lady Bellaston plans to send away so Lord Fellamar can be alone with Sophia.

the great Catholic saint

Also known as St Anthony

A saint whom the narrator says persuaded fish by the power of Catholic faith.

Orpheus

A legendary musician said by the narrator to have enchanted inanimate things through music.

Amphion

A legendary musician said by the narrator to have enchanted inanimate things through music.

the fishes

Fish that, in the narrator’s comparison, were won over by St Anthony’s preaching.

the inanimate things enchanted by Orpheus and Amphion

Inanimate things whom the narrator says were enchanted by the music of Orpheus and Amphion.

the narrator’s evil spirit in human flesh

A hypothetical embodiment of evil mentioned by the narrator as working to ruin Sophia and make Tom miserable.

Sophia’s cousin Anderson

Also known as Mrs Anderson · the poor cousin

A poor woman related to Mrs Miller, married for love to a man without means. Her family’s hardship has eased after Tom gave her husband money; she and her children are now safe and supplied with food and beds.

Mrs Miller’s cousin’s husband

Also known as the poor man · the father

An unnamed man married to Mrs Miller’s cousin Anderson. He is the highwayman Tom once aided, and now thanks Tom for helping save his wife and children from destitution.

the second son of Mrs Miller’s cousin

Also known as little Tommy · Tommy

Mrs Miller’s cousin Anderson’s young son, once gravely ill with quinsy. His father says he has recovered.

Molly, daughter of Mrs Miller’s cousin

Also known as Molly

A thirteen-year-old daughter of Mrs Miller’s cousin Anderson. She helps care for her mother and sick brother during the family’s hardship.

the youngest child of Mrs Miller’s cousin

An unnamed child in the Anderson family, not yet two years old.

the proper lady provided as Sophia’s companion

Also known as a proper lady

An unnamed woman arranged by Lady Bellaston to accompany Sophia to the play. Sophia leaves the theatre before the play ends.

the young gentleman who escorts Sophia from the play

An unnamed young man who safely escorts Sophia from the playhouse to her chair after a disturbance between rival audience parties frightens her.

the acquaintance of Mr Nightingale who befriends the playwright

An unnamed acquaintance of Mr Nightingale who is a friend of the author of the new play.

the two parties at the playhouse

Two unnamed groups of spectators: one intends to condemn the new play and the other to applaud it. Their clash frightens Sophia.

Lord Shaftesbury

Also known as the elegant Lord Shaftesbury · the great Lord Shaftesbury

A philosopher whose caution about telling too much truth is invoked by the narrator in discussing Sophia’s concealment of her feelings.

Job

The biblical figure whose friends’ consolation is compared to the letter that disappoints Tom.

Susan the chambermaid

Also known as Susan · the chambermaid · Susan Chambermaid

A maid in Mrs Miller’s house. She tells Partridge that Nancy’s crisis is a common affair and implies that Nancy may be pregnant.

the servant who admits Tom downstairs

Also known as the maid

An unnamed maid in Mrs Miller’s household who admits Tom to the parlour when Mrs Miller is occupied with Nancy.

the woman who attends Mrs Miller’s dinner

An unnamed female companion who goes out with Sophia and Mrs Honour to the play, leaving Lady Bellaston’s house available for Tom’s visit.

the innkeepers’ servants who spread stories about Tom

Also known as the servants

Unnamed servants who tell Sophia that Tom spoke about her at inns and had been forced to flee her love. Their accounts are the source of her mistaken accusation against him.

the old woman who begged at the door

Also known as the old woman

An unnamed beggar whom Partridge thinks resembles a woman seen earlier in Warwickshire. He superstitiously suspects her of causing misfortune.

the woman at the playhouse who is suspected of loving Jones

Also known as the idiot · the country girl · the rival

Sophia, whom Lady Bellaston suspects is Tom’s beloved and rival. Lady Bellaston resents Sophia’s denial of knowing Tom.

the maid who is to meet Sophia

Also known as the lady

An unnamed woman whom Sophia expects to meet at the appointed place during her escape; the guide initially says Sophia expected another lady.

Mrs Miller’s deceased husband

Also known as her dear husband · the clergyman

An unnamed clergyman whom Mrs Miller married after her father’s death. She recalls five years of happiness with him and says he was a loving husband and tender father to Nancy and Betty.

Mrs Miller’s father

An unnamed army officer who died after living on his pay. He raised his three daughters as gentlewomen despite having little money.

Mrs Miller’s two sisters

Also known as her sisters

Mrs Miller’s unnamed sisters. One died of smallpox soon after their father, and the other died within a year after being mistreated in service.

the wealthy lady who employed Mrs Miller’s sister

Also known as the lady

An unnamed woman who took one of Mrs Miller’s sisters into service. Mrs Miller says the woman treated her sister cruelly and mocked her poverty and gentle birth.

the wealthy lady’s mother

An unnamed woman who had once served Mrs Miller’s grandmother and later inherited a fortune from her father.

Mrs Miller’s grandmother

An unnamed woman whose former servant later became the mother of a wealthy lady who employed one of Mrs Miller’s sisters.

the father of the wealthy lady’s mother

An unnamed pawnbroker who left a large fortune to his daughter.

Mr Essex

Also known as the excellent Mr Essex

A writer praised by the narrator for his treatise on dancing, The Rudiments of Genteel Education.

Mr Broughton

Also known as the excellent Mr Broughton

A writer whom the narrator imagines completing Mr Essex’s work by setting out the principles of athletics.

Pitt

An orator whose speeches, the narrator argues, owe their force partly to his study of Demosthenes and Cicero.

Thucydides

An ancient historian named by the narrator among great writers who could not equal a specialist’s treatise on dancing.

Livy

An ancient historian named by the narrator among great writers who could not equal a specialist’s treatise on dancing.

Vanbrugh

A playwright whom the narrator says copied nature, though later imitators fail to represent contemporary manners.

Congreve

A playwright whom the narrator says copied nature, though later imitators fail to represent contemporary manners.

Titian

A painter whose style of dress the narrator uses in a comparison about depicting modern society.

Vandyke

A painter whose style of dress the narrator uses in a comparison about depicting modern society.

Mr Pope

Also known as Pope

The poet whose comment about women the narrator applies to the upper classes.

the modern critics

Unnamed critics who claim that learning hinders a writer’s imagination.

the young woman who wrote the book Sophia had been reading

Also known as the young lady author

An unnamed fashionable woman whose book Sophia had praised for its understanding, humanity, and tenderness.

Sophia’s companion at the play

Also known as the proper lady provided for her companion

An unnamed woman arranged by Lady Bellaston to accompany Sophia to the play.

the porter at the Irish peer’s house

Also known as the porter · the human Cerberus

An unnamed gatekeeper who denies Tom access to the Irish peer’s house and falsely says there are no ladies there. After a bribe, he allows a footman to take Tom to Mrs Fitzpatrick.

the footman who conducts Jones to Mrs Fitzpatrick

Also known as the footman · the fellow

An unnamed servant who conducts Tom from the Irish peer’s house to Mrs Fitzpatrick after Tom offers a bribe. He had attended the ladies there the day before.

Mrs Fitzpatrick’s maid

Also known as the other lady’s maid · the waiting-woman

An unnamed maid travelling with Mrs Fitzpatrick. She tells Tom Sophia has gone but does not know where, and later reports to Mrs Fitzpatrick that Tom is handsome and that Mrs Honour had told her his story.

the Irish peer’s wife

Also known as her ladyship

An unnamed woman, absent from London, whom Mrs Fitzpatrick describes as the rare wife of a high-ranking man whose husband is entirely faithful to her.

Dr Misaubin

Also known as the learned Dr Misaubin

A learned doctor whose fame is used by the narrator to illustrate the advantage of being widely known.

Thomas Sydenham

Also known as Sydenham

A physician whose phrase about the elements of a name being repeated by posterity is cited by the narrator.

the footman who fights Mr Nightingale

Also known as the footman · the fellow

An unnamed servant who pins Mr Nightingale against a wall after Nightingale strikes him, then fights Tom and is defeated. He is dismissed after demanding his wages.

the young woman who calls for help

Also known as Miss Nancy

Nancy Miller, who calls Tom downstairs when Mr Nightingale is being choked by his footman.

the chairmen at the masquerade

Also known as the chairmen

Unnamed chairmen who cheer as Tom walks after a lady’s chair, preferring to discourage their social betters from walking.

the masked woman at the masquerade

Also known as the lady in a domino · the fairy queen

Lady Bellaston, disguised at the masquerade. She speaks with Tom about Sophia, promises to arrange an interview, and receives him at her house afterward.

the woman dressed as a shepherdess

Also known as the shepherdess

An unnamed woman at the masquerade whom Tom approaches, hoping to recognize Sophia’s voice.

the masked old woman

Also known as the old woman

An unnamed masquerade guest who pursues Tom and his masked companion, interrupting their conversation with rude remarks.

the Miller family’s maid-servant

Also known as the maid-servant

An unnamed servant in Mrs Miller’s house who brings Tom a bundle delivered by a porter.

the porter who delivers the masquerade bundle

Also known as a porter

An unnamed delivery man who brings a domino, mask, and masquerade ticket addressed to Tom, then leaves without expecting an answer.

the queen of the fairies

An unnamed figure named in the verse on the card accompanying Tom’s masquerade costume; the card gives no indication of her identity.

the brother who made Mrs Miller’s cousin’s husband bail

Also known as the villain his brother

An unnamed man whose debts caused his brother to act as bail; he disappears after the family’s goods are seized, and fails to deliver a letter about the seizure to Mrs Miller.

the bailiff who carried the letter

Also known as one of the bailiffs

An unnamed bailiff who carried a letter from Mrs Miller’s cousin’s husband about the seizure of the family’s goods, but did not deliver it.

Aristophanes

A comic playwright named by the narrator as one of the writers inspired by Genius.

Lucian

A writer named by the narrator as one of the writers inspired by Genius.

Cervantes

A writer named by the narrator as one of the writers inspired by Genius.

Rabelais

A writer named by the narrator as one of the writers inspired by Genius.

Molière

A playwright named by the narrator as one of the writers inspired by Genius.

Jonathan Swift

Also known as Swift

A writer named by the narrator as one of the writers inspired by Genius.

Marivaux

A writer named by the narrator as one of the writers inspired by Genius.

the personified Humanity

Also known as Humanity

A personified quality whom the narrator invokes to supply tenderness, compassion, friendship, and gratitude.

the personified Learning

Also known as Learning

A personified figure whom the narrator invokes to guide his writing and open the stores of ancient learning.

the personified Experience

Also known as Experience

A personified figure whom the narrator invokes as the source of knowledge about human manners across all walks of life.

the bookseller who divides a folio into numbers

Also known as the well-fed bookseller

An unnamed bookseller who, under the influence of personified wealth, breaks a heavy unread book into installments for wider sale.

the minister at his levee

An unnamed public official mentioned by Experience as an example of a social rank whose manners it knows.

the bailiff in the spunging-house

An unnamed bailiff mentioned by Experience as an example of a social rank whose manners it knows.

the duchess at her drum

An unnamed duchess mentioned by Experience as an example of a social rank whose manners it knows.

the landlady behind her bar

An unnamed innkeeper mentioned by Experience as an example of a social rank whose manners it knows.

the personified wealth

Also known as the fat substance · the jolly substance

A personified force associated with money and material comforts, whom the narrator invokes for the rewards and patronage that sustain his work.

the fat Dutch woman

Also known as the fat ufrow

An unnamed woman imagined by the narrator as born in Grub Street and nourished by rich food; she represents writing that caters to patrons’ pride and wealth.

the Amsterdam merchant

Also known as a jolly merchant of Amsterdam

An unnamed merchant imagined as the father of the fat Dutch woman in the narrator’s allegory.

the personified Comedy

Also known as Comedy

A personified literary genre said by the narrator to learn a grave and solemn air from wealth.

the personified Tragedy

Also known as tragedy

A personified literary genre described by the narrator as thundering through theatres.

Alderman History

Also known as History

A personified figure who tells tedious stories to lull the fat Dutch woman to sleep.

Monsieur Romance

Also known as Romance

A personified figure who performs surprising tricks to wake the fat Dutch woman.

the money lender who supplies bank-bills

Also known as the well-seasoned bank-bill

An allegorical source of a quickly convertible bank-bill mentioned by the narrator as one of wealth’s inducements.

William Warburton

Also known as Warburton

A scholar whom the narrator says Learning has entrusted with the key to its treasures.

the Squire’s late wife

Also known as his own wife

Sophia’s mother, whom Lady Bellaston says Squire Western treated monstrously.

the woman who sends Tom the masquerade costume

An unnamed woman inferred by Mr Nightingale and Mrs Miller to have sent Tom a mask, domino, and ticket. Tom suspects Mrs Fitzpatrick, but the text does not establish who sent them.

the mistress of the house at Hanover-square

Also known as the acquaintance

An unnamed woman whose house Lady Bellaston says she is going to visit after leaving the masquerade. Lady Bellaston claims the woman is expecting her, but she is not there.

Mr Nightingale’s servant

Also known as his footman

The unnamed servant who is dismissed after fighting Tom; Mr Nightingale says he had often overlooked the servant’s faults before the dispute.

the lady who had sent Tom’s ticket

Also known as the queen of the fairies

An unnamed woman whom Nightingale assumes sent Tom the masquerade invitation; Tom suspects Mrs Fitzpatrick, but the sender is not identified in this passage.

the parishioners in the churches of London

Unnamed people collectively invoked in the narrator’s discussion of charitable giving.

the footman of Lady Bellaston

Also known as the footman

An unnamed servant at Lady Bellaston’s house who brings her a letter or message in her absence.

the exciseman

Also known as Mr Thomson

An unnamed tax officer at the inn who proposes taking Tom back to Mr Allworthy and argues that he owes loyalty to the king whose government employs him.

the landlady at the alehouse

Also known as my landlady · the mistress

An unnamed alehouse keeper who objects to using force against Tom and defends him. She shares her belief that Catholics are honest people, despite her husband’s fears.

the attorney’s clerk

Also known as the clerk

An unnamed clerk who warns that those restraining Tom could face a false-imprisonment suit. A Jacobite in principle, he befriends Partridge and argues that legal rights depend on the law.

the master of the puppet-show

Also known as the puppet-show man · the dancer of wires · the ingenious gentleman who conducts the show

An unnamed puppet-show performer who recalls an inconclusive trial over a man’s sanity. He favors whichever government lets him continue earning a living with puppet shows.

the landlord at the alehouse

Also known as the landlord · my landlord

An unnamed alehouse keeper who reports that the rebels have evaded the duke and neared London. He worries that the Stuart claimant has no right to rule and fears Catholic rule.

the horseman who brings news of the rebels

Also known as the man on horseback

An unnamed rider who tells the alehouse landlord that the rebels have evaded the duke and are nearly at London.

the rebels

Also known as the French

The Jacobite forces said to have evaded the duke and advanced almost to London.

the duke

An unnamed commander whose forces the rebels are said to have evaded.

the popish priest known to Partridge

Also known as a popish priest

An unnamed Catholic priest whom Partridge knows and describes as honest. He told Partridge that Catholics did not intend to impose their religion.

the priest known to the landlady

Also known as another priest

An unnamed Catholic priest acquainted with the landlady who also told her that Catholics did not intend to impose their religion.

the landlady’s husband

Also known as her husband

The unnamed alehouse keeper’s husband, who fears Catholics and objects to the Stuart claimant’s religious implications.

the landlord’s father

Also known as my father

An unnamed man whose property right, if he died in possession of it, would pass to his son, according to the attorney’s clerk.

the poor gentleman confined in a madhouse

Also known as the poor gentleman

An unnamed man whom the landlady says his family confined in a madhouse to take possession of his estate.

the poor gentleman’s family

Also known as his family

The unnamed relatives who, according to the landlady, kept a man in a madhouse and took his estate.

the poor gentleman’s rightful heir

Also known as the right of another

An unnamed person whom the landlady says was the rightful owner of the estate taken by the confined man’s family.

the two other witnesses in the madness trial

Two groups of unnamed witnesses, twenty in each, who gave opposing testimony about a person’s sanity.

the person tried for madness

Also known as the poor man

An unnamed person whose trial over his sanity produced sharply conflicting testimony; some thought his relatives were trying to deprive him of his rights.

the husband of the young gypsy

Also known as the husband

An unnamed gypsy who secretly watches his wife and Partridge together, then accuses them before the gypsy king. The king punishes him for setting up the encounter to obtain money.

the young female gypsy

Also known as the fair gypsy

An unnamed, witty young woman who lures Partridge aside under the pretense of telling his fortune and solicits him. She is publicly shamed by the gypsy king after her husband arranges to catch them.

the gypsy king

Also known as the king of the gypsies · his majesty · the Egyptian majesty

The gypsies’ ruler, who welcomes Tom and explains his people’s government. He judges the accusation against Partridge and punishes the husband for trying to profit from his wife’s supposed infidelity.

the witness to Partridge and the gypsy woman

Also known as the witness

An unnamed gypsy who says the husband ordered him to watch his wife and that he witnessed the encounter. The king’s questioning reveals that the husband remained with him throughout.

the gypsy wedding party

Also known as the Egyptians · the gypsies · the people assembled in the barn

The gypsies gathered in a barn to celebrate a wedding. They have their own laws and government under the gypsy king.

the gypsy king’s subjects

Also known as his subjects · the gypsy

The gypsies governed by their king, who describes them as loyal to him and bound by laws that use public shame as punishment.

the gypsy who conducts Jones to Coventry

Also known as a gypsy

An unnamed gypsy whom the king assigns to guide Jones to Coventry after the storm.

the gypsy woman at the wedding

Also known as the bride

An unnamed gypsy woman whose wedding is being celebrated in the barn.

the gypsy woman’s bridegroom

Also known as the bridegroom

An unnamed gypsy who is marrying the woman whose wedding the party celebrates.

the hostler at Coventry

Also known as the hostler

An unnamed stable worker who delays Jones by taking little care to prepare the horses.

the smith at Dunstable

Also known as the smith

An unnamed smith who slowly shoes the post-horse Jones needs for his journey.

the innkeeper at St Albans

Also known as the landlord

An unnamed innkeeper who persuades Jones to stop and dine, partly by arguing that dinner will be ready sooner than fresh horses.

the guide who rode with Jones

Also known as the boy · the lad · the former guide

An unnamed guide who recognizes the route Sophia took and leads Jones back to it. He later agrees to take Jones toward Coventry and arranges for the horses to be fed.

the guide who attended Mrs Fitzpatrick

Also known as the other guide

An unnamed guide who travelled with Mrs Fitzpatrick and is questioned by Partridge at the alehouse. He is to wait there while the other guide escorts Jones.

the highwayman with five hungry children

Also known as the stranger · the gentleman · the poor fellow · the highwayman · the novice

An unnamed, distressed man who attempts his first robbery, demanding Sophia’s bank note with an unloaded pistol. He says he has a pregnant wife and five hungry children; Jones gives him two guineas and advises him to find honest work.

the highwayman’s wife

Also known as his wife

An unnamed woman, pregnant with her sixth child and living in extreme poverty, whom the would-be highwayman says he robbed to support.

the highwayman’s five children

Also known as five hungry children · his family

The unnamed children of the would-be highwayman, whom he says are hungry and in desperate need.

the highwayman’s sixth child

Also known as the sixth

The unborn child of the would-be highwayman and his wife.

the guide’s horse

Also known as the stumbling beast

An unnamed horse ridden by the guide, which stumbles during the journey and is secured by its rider.

the innkeeper at the gypsy wedding

Also known as the landlord

An unnamed innkeeper who delays Jones at St Albans by persuading him to dine before continuing his journey.

the unnamed wife of the highwayman

Also known as the wife lying in of the sixth

An unnamed woman whom the would-be highwayman says is in labor with their sixth child and in severe poverty.

the landlord of the inn where Jones met the guide

Also known as the landlord

An unnamed innkeeper who negotiates with the guide over the horses and relays news of Sophia to Jones.

the unnamed old woman at the inn door

Also known as the old woman

An unnamed woman whom Partridge says warned Jones he might regret failing to give her money. He later believes she is a witch causing the storm and mishaps.

the farrier in Partridge’s story

Also known as a farrier

An unnamed farrier who, according to Partridge, angered a witch and subsequently suffered a series of misfortunes.

the witch in Partridge’s story

Also known as one of them · the old witch

An unnamed witch whom Partridge blames for raising storms and causing mishaps. He tells a story of her ruining a farrier’s livelihood after he mocked her.

the farrier’s best cow

Also known as one of his best cows

A cow that Partridge says drowned after the farrier provoked a witch.

the farrier’s neighbours

Also known as some of his neighbours

Unnamed people with whom the farrier planned to celebrate after tapping a barrel of beer.

the farrier’s family

The unnamed family of the farrier, whom Partridge says fell into poverty after the witch’s supposed persecution.

the post-boy

Also known as the lad

An unnamed boy travelling with Jones and Partridge. He fears the storm’s strange lights and sounds, but later helps guide Jones and provides news of Sophia.

the people at the barn

Also known as the men and women assembled

Unnamed men and women celebrating a gypsy wedding in a barn. Their singing and festivities frighten Partridge and the post-boy.

the man who invites Jones into the barn

Also known as a man in the barn

An unnamed man who welcomes Jones and his companions into the barn to shelter from the storm.

the rough-voiced man at the barn

An unnamed man inside the barn who calls out to ask who is at the door.

the hungry horse’s owner

Also known as the owner

An unnamed person who owns the corn intended for the horses at the inn; the ostler ensures that it is not eaten.

the ostler

Also known as the ostler at the inn

An unnamed stable worker who keeps the horses’ corn from being consumed while the guide is away.

the stable boy’s horse

Also known as the third horse

An unnamed horse ridden by Partridge after Jones takes Sophia’s side-saddle and the guide’s boy rides Mrs Honour’s.

the side-saddle horse ridden by Sophia

Also known as the horse on which Sophia had rid

The horse Jones chooses to ride because it carries Sophia’s side-saddle.

the horse ridden by Mrs Honour

Also known as Mrs Honour’s horse

An unnamed horse whose side-saddle the guide rides when escorting Jones.

the deserter’s wife

Also known as the young lady’s grandmother

An unnamed woman whom the narrator imagines reading about Sophia in a future generation; she is not part of the events.

Charlotte Cradock

Also known as Charlotte

The real woman whom the narrator says Sophia represents under a fictitious name, in an invocation imagining future readers recognizing her worth.

Mnesis

Also known as the happy nymph

A personified nymph whom the narrator invokes as the source of the gentle love of fame.

the love of fame

Also known as the fair, gentle maid

A personified muse-like figure whom the narrator invokes for inspiration and future literary praise.

Milton

Also known as John Milton · thy Milton

The poet whom the narrator imagines seated with the love of fame on a hill overlooking London.

Maeonia

A personified place said in the invocation to have educated the love of fame.

Mantua

A personified place said in the invocation to have charmed the love of fame.

the gypsy king’s former lords

Also known as the lord gypsy

Unnamed former gypsy nobles who quarrelled over power before the gypsy king defeated them and made his subjects equal.

the first robbers of Jones and the Man of the Hill

Also known as the two robbers

Two unnamed men who attacked Jones and the Man of the Hill in an earlier episode; Jones drove them off.

the king’s wife

An unnamed woman, the gypsy king’s wife, referred to in his punishment of the husband who tried to profit from her infidelity.

the inn’s ostler at the earlier stop

Also known as the ostler

An unnamed stable worker who fails to ensure the horses’ corn is eaten while Jones and Dowling talk.

the landlord at the inn

Also known as my landlord · the sagacious fellow · the master of this house

An unnamed innkeeper who mistakenly identifies Sophia as Jenny Cameron. Sophia gives him money to compensate for his injuries, and he later regrets not having charged her more.

the coachman

Also known as the driver of the horses

The driver of the peer’s coach, which carries Mrs Fitzpatrick and Sophia to London.

the landlord’s wife

Also known as the wife

The unnamed wife of the innkeeper who injured himself while helping Sophia. She thinks Sophia’s generous payment reflects a shrewd concern about avoiding legal costs.

the landlord’s son who was a lawyer

Also known as son Tom the lawyer

The innkeeper’s deceased or absent son, whom his father says was a lawyer and might have profited from suing Sophia.

the two captains

Two unnamed captains who ride with the Irish peer and accompany his coach party. They are willing to serve as footmen for the honour of his company.

the Abigails

The unnamed maids accompanying Mrs Fitzpatrick and Sophia. They take turns riding one of the peer’s horses while the ladies travel in his coach.

the landlady’s maid

Also known as the chambermaid

An unnamed servant at the inn who is found on the puppet-show stage with the Merry Andrew and is scolded and beaten by her mistress.

the Merry Andrew

Also known as the puppet-show clown

An unnamed comic performer in the puppet show, found with Grace in a situation the narrator leaves undescribed. The puppet-show master runs out to punish him.

Grace

Also known as the wench

The landlady’s maid at the alehouse. Her mistress finds her with the Merry Andrew on the puppet-show stage, and Grace defends herself by accusing the puppet show’s fine lady of similar conduct.

the grave matron

Also known as the matron

An unnamed woman in the puppet-show audience who says she will bring her two daughters to see the show.

the grave matron’s daughters

Also known as her two daughters

Two unnamed daughters whom their mother intends to bring to the puppet show.

Lord Townley

A character in the puppet show’s version of The Provoked Husband, whose character the attorney’s clerk and exciseman say is well preserved.

Lady Townley

A character in the puppet show’s version of The Provoked Husband, whose character the attorney’s clerk and exciseman say is well preserved.

Punch

Also known as master Punch

A comic puppet whom the puppet-show master has excluded from his solemn entertainment. Tom says the show is spoiled without Punch and his wife Joan.

Joan

Also known as Punch’s wife

Punch’s wife in the puppet show, whom Tom says should have remained in the entertainment.

Sir Roger L’Estrange

Also known as Sir Roger L'Estrange

A writer cited for the observation that nature returns when excluded, illustrated by a transformed cat that remains a mouser.

Grimalkin

Also known as the fair Grimalkin

A cat whom fable says Venus transformed into a beautiful woman. Still retaining her feline nature, Grimalkin leaves her husband to chase a mouse.

Venus

The goddess who, in the narrator’s fable, transforms Grimalkin from a cat into a woman at the request of a passionate lover.

the passionate lover

An unnamed man who asks Venus to transform Grimalkin into a woman.

Grimalkin’s husband

Also known as the amorous bridegroom

The unnamed husband from the narrator’s fable, whom Grimalkin leaves to pursue a mouse.

the mouse

Also known as the little animal

The mouse pursued by Grimalkin in the narrator’s fable.

the squire who owns the hounds

Also known as the master of the hunt · the host · the brother sportsman

An unnamed neighbouring squire and sportsman whose hounds draw Squire Western into a hunt. Afterward he entertains Western and agrees with Parson Supple to persuade him to return home.

the lame beggar-man

Also known as the lame fellow · the poor man · the fellow

An unnamed, illiterate man in rags who asks Tom and Partridge for alms. He has found Sophia’s pocket-book and bill, gives them to Tom for a guinea, then demands a larger share.

Abbé Bannier

Also known as the ingenious Abbé Bannier

A French scholar whose preface to his Mythology is cited by the narrator on suppressing learned quotations for the reader’s sake.

Mr Moore

Also known as Moore

A playwright whom the narrator says borrowed lines from Pope and was condemned to lasting obscurity in Pope’s Dunciad.

Horace

The ancient poet whose lines on dying for one’s country Tom recites to encourage Partridge.

the parson who once preached about the devil

Also known as the parson

An unnamed clergyman whose sermon Partridge recalls while criticizing puppet shows and their supposed lack of religious instruction.

the puppet-show audience

Also known as the audience · the company

The unnamed spectators who praise the solemn puppet show, including the matron, attorney’s clerk, and exciseman.

the two ladies’ lodgings’ chairmen

Also known as the chairmen

Unnamed chairmen in London who know the house where Lady Bellaston lives.

Aristotle

An ancient philosopher named as an authoritative critic.

Longinus

An ancient critic named among authoritative judges of writing.

M. Dacier

Also known as Dacier

A French critic named among authoritative judges of writing.

Bossu

A French critic named among authoritative judges of writing.

Mr Francis

Also known as Francis

The translator whose English rendering of Horace’s lines on literary faults is quoted.

Martial

A poet whose saying that books cannot be made otherwise than imperfect is cited.

the guide to Bristol

Also known as the guide

An unnamed guide who leads Sophia through country roads after she leaves Upton. He rides with her until they meet Harriet and her guide.

the horses

Also known as the dumb creatures

The horses ridden by Sophia and her party and by the travellers who join them.

the two females travelling with Sophia

Sophia and Mrs Honour, who meet another pair of women on the road.

the two females who join Sophia

Mrs Fitzpatrick and her unnamed maid, travelling with an unnamed guide; they meet Sophia and her party on the road.

the horse ridden by the strange lady

Also known as the beast

Mrs Fitzpatrick’s horse, which stumbles and throws her as she rides beside Sophia.

the gout-stricken landlord

Also known as the landlord

An unnamed innkeeper who tries to lift the exhausted Sophia from her horse, falls beneath her, and is injured. He mistakenly identifies her as the Jacobite Jenny Cameron and later tells her the news of a French landing.

the landlady at the inn

Also known as the wife

The innkeeper’s wife, who is kind to Sophia and also mistakes her for Jenny Cameron. The landlord dismisses her doubts about Sophia’s identity.

Betty, the inn servant

Also known as Betty

An unnamed servant at the inn who warms Sophia’s bed and offers to help her undress.

the maid of the inn

An unnamed servant who declares that Sophia looks like an angel.

the guides

The unnamed guides accompanying Sophia and Mrs Fitzpatrick; they ride at the front and rear of the party and share what little they know with the innkeeper.

the Jacobite squire

Also known as the famous Jacobite squire

An unnamed supporter of the Stuart cause who arrives at the inn celebrating news that French forces have landed and the rebels are advancing.

Madam Jenny Cameron

Also known as Jenny Cameron

A Jacobite woman who is absent from the events. The innkeeper wrongly believes Sophia is her and that she travels with the young Chevalier.

the duke’s army

Also known as the duke's army

The unnamed army pursuing the rebels, which the innkeeper believes Sophia and her companion are evading.

Mrs Fitzpatrick’s aunt

Also known as aunt Western · the aunt

Sophia’s aunt and Harriet’s aunt, in whose household the cousins were raised together. Harriet says her aunt’s social circle and approval helped bring her into contact with Mr Fitzpatrick; after their marriage, the aunt left Bath and stopped answering Harriet’s letters.

the tailor who wrote to Mr Fitzpatrick

Also known as SAM. COSGRAVE · Sam. Cosgrave

An unnamed tradesman who writes to Brian Fitzpatrick demanding payment of a large bill. His letter says Fitzpatrick pursued Harriet for her ready money and had considered marrying her aunt for her jointure.

the lieutenant

Also known as the agreeable lieutenant

An unnamed officer quartered near Harriet’s home in Ireland, who becomes close friends with her and spends much time at her house. Mr Fitzpatrick resents his company and later accuses Harriet of being involved with him.

the lieutenant’s wife

An unnamed woman with an agreeable temperament and conversation who becomes Harriet’s close companion. Harriet says she has a better understanding than her husband and that Mr Fitzpatrick hated her.

Mr Nash

Also known as Nash

A man at Bath who warns Harriet that Mr Fitzpatrick is unworthy and urges her to avoid him.

the young lady related to Mr Fitzpatrick

An unnamed woman related to Mr Fitzpatrick who visits Harriet in Ireland and reveals that her husband keeps a mistress.

Mr Fitzpatrick’s mistress

Also known as the mistress

An unnamed woman with whom Mr Fitzpatrick is said to be involved; the news is conveyed to Harriet by her husband’s young female relation.

the old woman at Mr Fitzpatrick’s house

Also known as the ancient woman

An unnamed elderly servant who receives Harriet and Mr Fitzpatrick at his Irish home.

the famous Nell Gwynn

Also known as Nell Gwynn · Mrs Gwynn

A famous woman in the narrator’s anecdote whose footman fights a man who insults her, though she points out that the insult is widely known.

Nell Gwynn’s footman

Also known as the fellow

An unnamed servant in the narrator’s anecdote who fights a man for insulting Nell Gwynn.

the man who insults Nell Gwynn

Also known as the impudent rascal

An unnamed man whom Nell Gwynn’s footman fights after he calls her a whore.

Dr Cheney

Also known as Cheney

A physician quoted by the narrator for calling punch liquid fire poured down the throat.

the innkeeper’s wife from the present chapter

The unnamed wife of the innkeeper who mistakes Sophia for Jenny Cameron.

the oyster-wenches

Also known as the Naïades · the river nymphs

Personified oyster sellers whom the narrator compares to river nymphs, describing their noisy defense of their wares.

Mrs Honour’s maid’s mistress

Also known as the lady

Mrs Fitzpatrick, whom her maid accompanies on the journey and at the inn.

the Irish gentleman

Also known as the calabalaro · the cavalier · Mr Maclachlan

A younger son of a good Irish family who travels to Bath seeking his fortune. He is Fitzpatrick’s friend, recognizes that Mrs Waters may be Fitzpatrick’s wife, and travels with them to Bath.

the Irish gentleman’s friend

Also known as the friend

An unnamed friend of Fitzpatrick who suspects that the woman at the inn may be Fitzpatrick’s wife and urges him to search for her.

the Irish footman

An unnamed footman accompanying the Irish gentlemen at the Upton inn. He goes to bed while the post-boy stays in the kitchen.

the second post-boy

Also known as another post-boy

An unnamed post-boy who arrives at the Upton inn with Sophia and her maid, and praises Sophia for her kindness to the horses.

the beautiful young lady

Also known as the lady in the rich habit · Sophia

Sophia Western, travelling with Mrs Honour. She learns Tom is at the inn, leaves her muff in his bed, then departs and resumes her journey in pursuit of him.

the young lady’s maid

Also known as her maid

An unnamed maid travelling with Sophia, who advises her not to continue that night and praises her concern for the horses.

the chambermaid Nanny

Also known as Nanny

A pretty, modest chambermaid at the inn who falls in love with Jones almost immediately.

Mr King

Also known as King, of Bath

The owner of the returned coach that brought Sophia and her maid to the inn; the narrator praises his honesty.

the serjeant

Also known as the recruiting serjeant · Mr Serjeant · the military man

A soldier who visits the inn. He drinks with the reconciled coachman and toasts King George, which Partridge cannot bring himself to echo fully.

the hack-attorney

Also known as the attorney from Salisbury · the attorney · Dowling

The Salisbury attorney, whose surname is Dowling. Sophia and Honour encounter him on the road; Sophia worries he may reveal their route to her father.

the landlord at Hambrook

Also known as the landlord

An unnamed innkeeper whom Mrs Honour asks for directions when she and Sophia reach Hambrook.

Mrs Whitefield

Also known as the good governess of the mansion

The friendly mistress of the Bell in Gloucester. She urges the fatigued Sophia to stay the night, but Sophia leaves to avoid being caught.

the man who conducts Sophia to Mrs Honour

Also known as the fellow

An unnamed man who meets Sophia at the appointed place and takes her to Mrs Honour in a nearby town.

the footman who announces Sophia’s absence

Also known as the serving-man

An unnamed servant who tells Squire Western that Sophia cannot be found.

the gentleman who helps Mrs Fitzpatrick escape

An unnamed man who assists Fitzpatrick’s wife in escaping the Upton inn, taking her to the place where Mrs Honour is waiting.

the two gentlemen in the same bed

Tom and Fitzpatrick, whom Susan reports have gone to bed together after the confusion at the inn.

the horse ridden by the guide

The guide’s horse, which reportedly stops at Sophia’s gentle request; the narrator suggests it may simply have stopped because the guide ceased spurring it.

the horse

Also known as the beast

A horse that often stops when its rider ceases to spur it; the narrator offers this as a natural explanation for its stopping at Sophia’s voice.

the hunted hare

Also known as the little wretched animal

A hare in the narrator’s comparison to a pursued wife, fleeing from the voice of her hunter.

the hounds

Also known as the bad hounds · a dog of sagacity

Hounds in the narrator’s simile for Fitzpatrick, who follows another man’s suspicion without independent judgment.

the three strange men

The men who enter Mrs Waters’s chamber during the disturbance at the Upton inn; their presence frightens her.

the young Squire Allworthy

Also known as the son and heir of the great Squire Allworthy

Tom Jones, whom the Upton landlady mistakenly identifies as young Squire Allworthy’s son and heir.

the serving-man who reports Sophia missing

Also known as the poor serving-man

An unnamed servant who reports that Sophia is missing from Squire Western’s house.

the two Irish gentlemen

Maclachlan and Fitzpatrick, who travel together from the Upton inn to Bath with Mrs Waters.

the inn’s hostler

Also known as the hostler

An unnamed stable worker who tells the coachman that Maclachlan’s hired horse would prefer returning to Worcester.

Mrs Hussey

A celebrated mantua-maker in the Strand, mentioned by the narrator as an example of someone praised for making women’s shapes appear to advantage.

the critics

A group of critics whom the narrator addresses collectively, condemning those who search books for faults in order to publish them.

the lawyers who criticize plays

Unnamed lawyers whom the narrator says sit on playhouse benches and condemn performances, having failed to rise to the bench at Westminster Hall.

Macduff

A character whose lament in Shakespeare’s play is paraphrased by the narrator in a comparison about authors and their books.

Arria

A celebrated woman whose story the narrator invokes as an example of courage joined with gentleness and tenderness.

the daughter of the Quaker

Also known as the Quaker’s daughter

An unnamed only daughter of the Quaker, who ran away and married against her father’s wishes.

the company at the inn

Also known as the people in the house

The unnamed guests and staff gathered at the Upton inn, where the disturbances and conversations take place.

the two young women in riding habits

Sophia and Mrs Honour, who arrive at the Upton inn on horseback.

the innkeeper’s family

The unnamed family of the innkeeper, whose members are all asleep or drinking when Sophia escapes.

the family at Squire Western’s house

The unnamed household members who are asleep after drinking when Sophia slips away.

the man who sends Sophia’s guide

Also known as measter

An unnamed employer of Sophia’s guide, who ordered him to take a particular route and might dismiss him for disobedience.

the fox

Also known as the dog fox

A fox in Squire Western’s hunting cry when he sees Tom at the inn; the phrase refers to Tom.

the bitch

A female fox in Squire Western’s hunting cry, referring to Sophia.

Hercules

The mythological hero whose cry for Hylas is invoked by the narrator to describe Squire Western calling for Sophia.

Hylas

The beautiful youth whose name Hercules calls in the myth cited by the narrator.

Ovid

The poet whom the narrator cites for the story of Echo.

Echo

A mythological figure who repeats Sophia’s name in the narrator’s comparison.

the reviewers of books

Also known as the slanderer of books

Critics whom the narrator compares to slanderers for searching books for faults and publishing them.

the author’s book

A personified book, described by the narrator as its author’s offspring and child of the brain.

the Man of the Hill

Also known as the old gentleman · the stranger

A reclusive man who accompanies Tom on a walk over Mazard Hill. He directs Tom to Upton and remains on the hill while Tom goes to Mrs Waters’s aid.

Mr Northerton

Also known as Northerton · the ensign · the ruffian · the villain

An ensign who previously assaulted Tom and escaped custody. He attempts to rob and assault Mrs Waters, but Tom interrupts him; Northerton then escapes from the wood.

the young lady in the coach

Also known as the young lady

An unnamed young woman who arrives at the inn by coach with her maid. She is eager to continue her journey, but the coachman’s drunkenness delays her.

the deserter

Also known as the deserter in their custody

An unnamed soldier held in custody by the serjeant and a file of musketeers who arrive at the inn.

Desdemona

A character in Shakespeare’s play who pleads with Othello for Cassio, inflaming Othello’s jealousy and rage.

Cassio

A character in Shakespeare’s play for whom Desdemona intercedes with Othello.

Othello

Also known as the Moor

The title character in Shakespeare’s play, whose jealousy and rage are inflamed by Desdemona’s pleas for Cassio.

Ulysses

The Homeric hero whose appetite is mentioned by the narrator in comparison with Tom’s meal.

Pasiphae

A mythological figure whom the narrator says tried to win the affection of a bull.

the bull

The animal whose affection Pasiphae attempts to win in the narrator’s comparison.

the Graces

Also known as ye Graces

Personified divine beings whom the narrator invokes to describe Mrs Waters’s attempts to attract Tom.

Seraphina

A woman whose beautiful countenance is invoked by the narrator as the dwelling place of the Graces.

the captain’s wife’s pursuer

Also known as the gentleman

An unnamed gentleman who arrives at the inn at midnight, offers Susan money to find his missing wife, and enters Mrs Waters’s room. He is revealed to be Fitzpatrick, who has mistaken Mrs Waters for his wife.

the inn’s landlord’s quarrelsome wife from the seventh book

An unnamed landlady whom the narrator distinguishes from another landlady in the story, noting that similar occupations do not make characters identical.

the inn’s landlady from the ninth book

An unnamed landlady whom the narrator distinguishes from the landlady in the seventh book.

Sir Epicure Mammon

A stage character whom the narrator uses as an example of a figure easily distinguished from Sir Fopling Flutter.

Sir Fopling Flutter

A stage character whom the narrator compares with Sir Epicure Mammon and Sir Courtly Nice.

Sir Courtly Nice

A stage character whose distinction from Sir Fopling Flutter, the narrator says, requires more refined judgment.

Dido

The legendary queen whom the narrator names as a possible model for amorous widows in plays.

Virgil

The poet whose Latin work supplies the narrator’s reference to Dido.

Mrs Behn

Also known as Behn

A novelist whose book the Irish gentleman reads in the inn.

the file of musketeers

Also known as the musqueteers

Unnamed soldiers who arrive at the inn with the serjeant and a deserter.

the husband who pursues his wife

Also known as the right owner

An unnamed husband whom Susan believes to be seeking Mrs Waters, based on the account she had heard. He is actually Fitzpatrick, who has mistaken Mrs Waters for his wife.

the night watchmen

Also known as honest watchmen

Unnamed watchmen whom the narrator says are asleep at midnight while thieves and ruffians are awake.

the half-drunk clown

Also known as the clown

An unnamed man who staggers through a churchyard at night, imagining a bloody hobgoblin.

the owl

Also known as the shrill chorister of the night

An owl whose hooting is described in the narrator’s midnight scene.

the hare

Also known as the little trembling hare

A hare that ventures onto the lawns at night after hiding from its enemies through the day.

the wolf

Also known as the cunning, cruel, carnivorous animal

A wolf mentioned by the narrator as one of the hare’s dangerous enemies.

the hostler’s employer

Also known as the fond expecting host

An unnamed innkeeper whom the narrator calls the hostler’s expectant lover.

the Man of the Hill’s chum

Also known as his chum

An unnamed, frugal Oxford student whose savings the Man of the Hill steals. He obtains a warrant, but later leaves Oxford without prosecuting.

the Man of the Hill’s female companion

Also known as his paramour · his mistress · his female companion

An unnamed woman who travels with the Man of the Hill to London after he steals his chum’s money. She betrays him to a former lover, leading to his arrest.

the Man of the Hill’s former lover’s accomplice

Also known as one of her former lovers at Oxford

An unnamed former lover of the Man of the Hill’s companion who has him arrested after she betrays him.

the Man of the Hill’s father

A gentleman farmer from Mark in Somersetshire who favoured his younger son, the Man of the Hill. He later sought his son in London, reconciled with him, and died after they returned home.

the Man of the Hill’s mother

Also known as Xanthippe

An unnamed, quarrelsome woman who favoured her elder son and made home miserable for the Man of the Hill. He believed she would oppose his return to his father.

the Man of the Hill’s elder brother

An unnamed son of the gentleman farmer who neglected his education and became a skilled hunter. After inheriting the family home, he paid the Man of the Hill for his share and settled an annuity on him.

Mr Watson

Also known as Watson · Jack

A former Oxford fellow-collegian of the Man of the Hill who becomes his close companion among London’s gamblers. He encourages him in cheating and gaming, later attempts suicide, and ultimately betrays him to King James’s soldiers after the Monmouth rebellion.

the Man of the Hill’s father’s neighbouring gentleman

An unnamed gentleman who had recently recovered a son from Oxford and told the Man of the Hill’s father where his son could be found in London.

the Man of the Hill’s father’s wife

Also known as the Man of the Hill’s mother

An unnamed woman whose death the Man of the Hill’s father reports to him when they reunite in London.

Mr Watson’s chum

Also known as the Man of the Hill’s chum

An unnamed student whose forty or more guineas the Man of the Hill steals at Oxford. He swears to the robbery and obtains a warrant, but does not pursue the case.

the drawer at the Friars

An unnamed tavern servant whom Watson tells that the bill has been paid, while the Man of the Hill leaves without settling it.

the sharpers

Also known as the fraternity of sharpers · the gang

A group of unnamed professional gamblers and cheats whom the Man of the Hill joins through Watson. Some are described as leaders in their trade and others prey on inexperienced players.

the two young men at the gaming table

Also known as two young fellows

Two unnamed inexperienced gamblers whom the sharpers ply and plunder at the tavern.

the wounded traveller

Also known as the Man of the Hill’s father

The Man of the Hill’s father, whom he finds wounded in a London crowd and takes to a tavern. Recognizing his son, the father reconciles with him and persuades him to return home.

the surgeon-serjeant to the king

Also known as the surgeon whose name began with R · the generous surgeon

An unnamed royal serjeant-surgeon who treats the Man of the Hill’s wounded father and offers him a chariot and money. His care helps the father recover enough to travel.

the Man of the Hill’s mother’s death-announcing companion

An unnamed neighbouring gentleman who informs the Man of the Hill’s father where his son is living in London.

the apothecary

An unnamed apothecary who helps rescue Watson after his attempted suicide and later spreads inaccurate political news about the Duke of Monmouth’s landing.

the angler

An unnamed fisherman who helps the Man of the Hill pull a man from the river at Bath.

the woman who identifies Watson’s lodging

An unnamed woman who meets the Man of the Hill and the apothecary as they carry Watson, then tells them that Watson lodges at her house.

the notorious gamester

Also known as the other gamester

An unnamed gambler found playing cards with Watson in his sickroom; Watson gives him the Man of the Hill’s bill in exchange for thirty guineas.

the Man of the Hill’s father’s rescuer’s old woman

Also known as the poor old woman

An unnamed elderly woman at a hut on a common who tends the Man of the Hill’s wound after he and Watson flee the Battle of Sedgemoor.

the Man of the Hill’s first host’s mother

Also known as the mother of this old woman

An unnamed woman who first sheltered the Man of the Hill after his escape from the soldiers. She is the mother of the old woman who now keeps his house.

the Man of the Hill’s old woman at the cottage

Also known as the old woman at the cottage · the old woman

An unnamed woman who has lived with the Man of the Hill for more than thirty years and keeps his house. Her mother was the first person to shelter him after his flight.

the six soldiers guarding the Man of the Hill

Also known as the party of horse belonging to King James · his guards

Six unnamed royalist soldiers who seize the Man of the Hill after Watson betrays him and conduct him toward Taunton gaol. A false alarm causes them to flee, leaving both prisoners free.

Francis Bridle

Also known as Frank

The son of farmer Bridle, whom Partridge knew at grammar school. After testifying against a man accused of stealing his father’s mare and seeing him hanged, Frank believed the man’s ghost attacked him.

farmer Bridle

An unnamed farmer whose sorrel mare is stolen. His son Francis identifies the alleged thief.

the man accused of stealing farmer Bridle’s mare

Also known as the prisoner · the fellow · the man on the spirit story

An unnamed man apprehended while riding farmer Bridle’s mare and hanged after Francis Bridle testifies against him. Frank later claims his ghost beat him in a dark lane.

Justice Willoughby

Also known as the justice

A local magistrate of Noyle who commits the accused horse thief to prison and binds Francis Bridle as a witness.

Lord Justice Page

Also known as my Lord Justice Page · the judge

A judge who presides at the accused horse thief’s assizes. Partridge recalls his jokes and says he refused to hear the prisoner’s counsel before the man was hanged.

the squire who doubted Frank’s ghost story

Also known as the squire

An unnamed squire whom Partridge calls an atheist. He suggests Frank fought a white-faced calf rather than a ghost.

the white-faced calf

Also known as the calf

A calf found dead in the lane where Frank says a ghost attacked him. The sceptical squire proposes it was Frank’s actual opponent.

the Man of the Hill’s companion at the Battle of Sedgemoor

Also known as Mr Watson

Mr Watson, who escapes with the Man of the Hill after the battle and later betrays him to royalist soldiers.

King James

Also known as King James II

The king against whom the Man of the Hill says the Duke of Monmouth rebelled. The Man of the Hill’s account describes James’s government as threatening Protestant religion and liberties.

Duke of Monmouth

Also known as the duke

A claimant who landed in the west and led a rebellion against King James. The Man of the Hill and Watson join him at Bridgewater and escape after the defeat at Sedgemoor.

the Man of the Hill’s brother’s sportsmen

Also known as the numerous train of sportsmen

Unnamed hunting companions who regularly accompany the Man of the Hill’s elder brother and mock the Man of the Hill and his learned friends.

the Man of the Hill’s Bath physician

Also known as the physician

An unnamed physician who advises the Man of the Hill to take the Bath waters for a paralytic disorder brought on by grief and sedentary habits.

the man who attempted suicide at Bath

Also known as Mr Watson

Mr Watson, whom the Man of the Hill and an angler rescue from the river. Watson says financial troubles drove him to attempt suicide.

the Man of the Hill’s Bath apothecary

Also known as the apothecary

An unnamed apothecary present when Watson is rescued; he advises taking him to a warm bed and attends him afterward.

the Man of the Hill’s old woman’s mother

Also known as the mother of the old woman

An unnamed woman who sheltered the Man of the Hill after his escape from the soldiers. She was the mother of the woman who later kept his cottage.

the old woman who met the Man of the Hill and apothecary

An unnamed woman who recognizes Watson as a lodger at her house when he is brought in after his rescue from the river.

George Lyttelton

Also known as GEORGE LYTTLETON, ESQ;

The dedicatee, a friend and patron whom Fielding credits with encouraging the history and recommending him to the Duke of Bedford.

Duke of Bedford

A benefactor of Fielding, whose support Fielding says he owes to George Lyttelton’s recommendation.

Plato

The ancient philosopher whose works the Man of the Hill studies.

the author of the Spectator

An unnamed writer whom the narrator says used Greek and Latin mottos to discourage imitators.

Rowe

A writer whom the narrator mentions as an imitator of Shakespeare.

Jonson

Also known as Ben Jonson

A dramatist mentioned by the narrator in a comparison of theatrical writing and acting.

Wycherly

Also known as Wycherley

A dramatist mentioned by the narrator in a comparison of theatrical writing and acting.

Otway

A dramatist mentioned by the narrator in a comparison of theatrical writing and acting.

Cibber

Also known as Colley Cibber

An actor cited by the narrator alongside Garrick and Clive as someone whose performance reveals character on stage.

Clive

Also known as Mrs Clive

An actor cited by the narrator alongside Garrick and Cibber as someone whose performance reveals character on stage.

Mr Miller

Also known as Miller

A writer who described a plant; the narrator says Miller would still advise students to see it growing in a garden.

the author of the work on riches

Also known as the poor poet

An unnamed poet whom the narrator says wrote against riches.

the Man of the Hill’s first Oxford companion

Also known as Mr Watson

Mr Watson, the Man of the Hill’s former university companion and friend, who introduces him to the sharpers and later betrays him.

the young lady in the chaise

An unnamed woman whom the Man of the Hill accompanies to Witney before fleeing Oxford. She agrees to travel to London after he shows her the stolen money.

the former lover who arrested the Man of the Hill

An unnamed man, formerly the mistress’s lover at Oxford, who apprehends the Man of the Hill after she betrays him.

the Oxford vice-chancellor

Also known as the vice-chancellor

An unnamed university officer who issues a warrant after the Man of the Hill’s chum swears to the theft.

the Man of the Hill’s father’s neighbour

Also known as the neighbouring gentleman

An unnamed gentleman who tells the Man of the Hill’s father where his son is in London after recovering his own son from the same place.

the Man of the Hill’s brother’s physician

An unnamed physician who advises the Man of the Hill to drink the Bath waters.

the landlord of the Friars tavern

Also known as the drawer

An unnamed tavern servant who receives payment from the Man of the Hill after Watson leaves him to settle their bill.

the Turks

The people of Turkey, whom the Man of the Hill describes collectively as taciturn and less troublesome to him than Christians.

the Hottentots

A people whom the Man of the Hill mentions collectively while comparing customs and manners.

the landlady’s first husband

Also known as my first husband

An unnamed man, now deceased or absent, whom the landlady often cites for his sayings and opinions. She recalls him as a better husband than her present one.

the good and benevolent man

An unnamed man whom the narrator says he knows, praised as exceptionally virtuous, generous, and successful in trade.

the Somersetshire petty-fogger

Also known as the lawyer of Linlinch · the petty-fogger · the Somersetshire lawyer

An unnamed, dishonest-seeming legal hanger-on from near Linlinch who has visited Mr Allworthy’s kitchen. He spreads a false and malicious account of Tom to Mrs Whitefield and Dowling.

Mr Whitefield

The master of the Bell in Gloucester, a plain, honest man and brother of the preacher Whitefield. He reports that Partridge says he is Jones’s friend and companion, not his servant.

George Whitefield

Also known as Whitefield · the great preacher Whitefield

A preacher, identified as the brother of the Bell’s landlord. His religious influence briefly attracts his sister-in-law.

the Man of the Hill’s schoolmaster

Also known as the tyrant

An unnamed schoolmaster who taught the Man of the Hill’s elder brother, but reported that the boy had made little progress and should leave school.

the parson of Mark

Also known as the parson of the parish

An unnamed clergyman who took particular notice of the Man of the Hill when he was young, provoking his mother’s resentment.

Sir George Gresham

A wealthy young man at Exeter College who draws the Man of the Hill into reckless spending and debauchery, then lets him take the blame for their misconduct.

the Man of the Hill’s father’s brother

Also known as the industrious farmer his uncle

An unnamed, industrious farmer whose small fortune the Man of the Hill’s father inherited.

the landlady’s favourite daughter

An unnamed daughter of the innkeeper, recently married and taken home with her husband; her mother favours her over the other children.

the landlord’s daughter’s husband

An unnamed man who has just married the innkeeper’s favourite daughter.

the other children of the landlord

The innkeeper’s unnamed children, whom their mother neglects in favour of her favourite daughter.

the landlord’s wife’s mother

An unnamed woman whom the landlord’s wife takes along with her when she leaves home after her daughter’s wedding.

the gout-stricken gentleman

Also known as the gentleman confined to his bed by the gout

An unnamed guest at the inn who is confined to bed by gout; his presence allows Jones to return to his room unnoticed.

the Man of the Hill’s elder brother’s dog

An unnamed dog kept by the Man of the Hill’s elder brother, one of his chief interests after leaving school.

the Man of the Hill’s elder brother’s gun

An unnamed gun used by the Man of the Hill’s elder brother, who becomes a highly skilled hunter.

Socrates

The philosopher whose wife Xanthippe is cited as a byword for a quarrelsome woman.

Mr Timothy Harris

Also known as Timothy Harris

A publican whom the narrator cites as lamenting that innkeepers must keep their guests company.

Tom Brown

Also known as the author of Tom Brown’s Works

An author whose works Little Benjamin lends to Jones.

the landlady’s former husband

Also known as the landlady’s first husband · my first husband

An unnamed man, now deceased or absent, whom the landlady often cites for his sayings and opinions.

the landlady’s present husband

Also known as the landlady’s husband · the landlord

An unnamed, gout-stricken innkeeper who spends his time smoking, drinking, and talking about horses. His wife resents him and frequently compares him unfavourably with her first husband.

the Man of the Hill’s mother’s favourite son

Also known as the Man of the Hill’s elder brother

The elder son of the gentleman farmer, favoured by his mother. He neglects schooling and becomes a skilled hunter.

the Man of the Hill’s younger self

The unnamed narrator of the Man of the Hill’s life story: born in Mark in 1657, he excelled at school and studied at Exeter College before Sir George Gresham drew him into a dissolute life.

Tom French of the regiment

Also known as Tom French

A soldier whom Northerton claims brought Sophia Western and her aunt into company at a tavern in Bath. The text does not establish whether Northerton’s claim is true.

the French lieutenant

Also known as the French officer · the French gentleman

An unnamed French officer who has spent long enough in England to forget French but not long enough to learn English, and can barely communicate. He secures the soldiers’ swords during the fray and is assigned to conduct the troops to Gloucester.

Mr Adderly

Also known as Jack Adderly

A young ensign, son of a nobleman’s butler’s wife. He helps raise Jones after the assault and curses him for staining his waistcoat with blood.

the six men guarding Northerton

Also known as the guard

Unnamed soldiers who take Northerton into custody after the assault and conduct him away.

the corporal

An unnamed corporal who leads the six men assigned to guard Northerton.

the sentry

Also known as the centinel · the poor centinel · Jack

An unnamed soldier posted to guard Northerton. Terrified by Jones’s bloodied appearance, he fires his weapon and later reports that Jones’s ghost carried Northerton away; the lieutenant suspects him of cowardice and treachery, but Jones says he is innocent.

the soldiers

Also known as the company of soldiers · the two companies of foot · the little army · the men

The unnamed soldiers who arrive at the inn in red coats and later march against the rebels. Some gather after the sentry fires and hear his account of Northerton’s disappearance.

the barber’s father

An unnamed dancing-master who disinherited Little Benjamin for learning to read before he learned to dance.

the barber’s siblings

Also known as his other children

The unnamed children of the dancing-master who inherited what he left after disinheriting Little Benjamin.

the first drawer’s admirer

An unnamed drawer whom Nanny had refused before falling in love with Jones.

the young farmers Nanny refused

One or two unnamed local farmers whom Nanny had rejected before meeting Jones.

the lieutenant’s chaplain

Also known as the chaplain

An unnamed army clergyman whom the lieutenant says once discussed with him whether soldiers may seek revenge to defend their honour.

Homer

The ancient poet whose supernatural stories, including Polyphemus, Circe, and Ulysses, are discussed by the narrator.

Polyphemus

Also known as Polypheme

The one-eyed giant in Homer’s story, whom the narrator wishes had kept to a milk diet and preserved his eye.

the Phaeacians

The people to whom Ulysses tells his stories in Homer’s account; the narrator calls them a dull nation.

Circe

The enchantress in Homer’s account who turns Ulysses’s companions into swine.

the author of Hudibras

An unnamed writer mentioned by the narrator in connection with invoking a mug of ale.

the genius of the highest rank

An unnamed writer whose statement about mixing truth and fiction is quoted by the narrator.

Xerxes

The Persian king whose unsuccessful expedition is cited as an astonishing historical event.

Herodotus

The historian cited for the account of Xerxes’s unsuccessful expedition.

Alexander

The Macedonian king whose successful expedition is cited as an astonishing historical event.

Arrian

The historian cited for Alexander’s successful expedition.

Harry the Fifth

Also known as Henry V

The English king whose victory at Agincourt is cited by the narrator.

Charles the Twelfth of Sweden

Also known as Charles XII

The Swedish king whose victory at Narva is cited by the narrator.

George Villiers

A man whose ghost story is mentioned as an example of a tale the narrator thinks could have been omitted from a history of the Rebellion.

Dr Drelincourt

A writer whose discourse on death is mentioned as a more suitable place for the story of George Villiers’s ghost.

Mrs Veale

A woman whose ghost story is mentioned alongside that of George Villiers.

Trajan

A Roman emperor whom the narrator names among rulers whose very good or very bad reputations posterity accepts.

Antoninus

Also known as M. Antoninus

A Roman emperor whom the narrator contrasts with Nero to illustrate consistency of character.

Nero

A Roman emperor whom the narrator cites as exceptionally wicked and contrasts with Antoninus.

Caligula

A Roman emperor whom the narrator names among rulers whose reputation posterity accepts.

Fisher

An unnamed-in-the-story-of-this-book example of a murderous man described by the narrator: after receiving charity from Mr Derby, he hides in a public office and shoots his benefactor.

Mr Derby

A man who generously supports Fisher and is later murdered by him.

Suetonius

The historian cited by the narrator for an account of Nero’s remorse after his mother’s death.

the young lady of quality

An unnamed woman whose character in a modern comedy was condemned as unnatural by an audience, though admired by women of high rank.

the distinguished lady who praised the stage character

An unnamed woman of high rank and understanding who said the young lady of quality’s character resembled half the young people she knew.

lawyer Small

Also known as Mr Small

An unnamed lawyer whom the landlady recommends to Jones, claiming he could force Northerton to flee the country.

the former husband of Squire Western’s wife

An unnamed man whom Squire Western identifies as his wife’s first husband; he recalls that she wept before their marriage and soon stopped afterward.

Sophia’s mother

Also known as Western’s wife

Squire Western’s late wife and Sophia’s mother. Married against her will, she endured her husband’s neglect and died when Sophia was eleven; Sophia remembers her as a loving mother.

Cupid

A personified figure who emerges from Sophia’s muff in the narrator’s allegory, overturning her resolve to accept the marriage for filial duty and reminding her of Tom.

the first fellow in the village

An unnamed villager whom Tom asks for directions to Bristol; he gives confused directions that send them farther off course.

the second fellow in the village

An unnamed villager who offers Tom another muddled set of directions and refers him to Measter Jin Bearnes’s.

the Quaker

Also known as honest Broadbrim · the plain man

An unnamed Quaker who advises Tom to stop for the night because he has lost the road and robbers are about. He recounts that his only daughter ran away and married against his wishes; after learning Tom is a foundling, his sympathy turns to indignation.

the landlord’s favourite daughter

An unnamed daughter of the innkeeper, recently married and taken home with her husband; her mother favours her over the other children.

the other fellow at the kitchen fire

An unnamed man who stays drinking with the guide and landlord during the night watch at the inn.

the tippler

Also known as the gentleman who had been all night tippling at the alehouse · the six-feet man

An unnamed tall, strongly built man who has been drinking at the inn and is persuaded by a corporal to volunteer with Tom.

Duke of Cumberland

Also known as the glorious Duke of Cumberland

The commander whom the serjeant says the soldiers expect to lead them against the rebels.

King George

The king whom the soldiers acclaim as they welcome Tom’s offer to volunteer.

the colonel

An unnamed colonel who kept the regiment’s command for many years and obstructed the lieutenant’s advancement because the lieutenant’s wife refused his sexual demands.

Jemmy Oliver

Also known as Jimmey

A soldier in the regiment whom Northerton calls exceptionally handsome and says can neither read nor write; he narrowly avoided becoming a clergyman.

Thomas of the regiment

Also known as Thomas

A soldier who, according to Northerton, carries a Homer in his pocket.

the colonel’s wife

Also known as the lieutenant’s wife

An unnamed beautiful woman who loves the lieutenant and refuses the colonel’s sexual demands; this is the same woman as the lieutenant’s wife.

Conscience

A personified voice in the narrator’s account of Black George’s inner debate, urging him not to keep Sophia’s money.

Avarice

A personified voice in the narrator’s account of Black George’s inner debate, arguing that he should keep Sophia’s money.

Fear

A personified voice in the narrator’s account of Black George’s inner debate, persuading Conscience that keeping Sophia’s money would be riskier than keeping Tom’s lost £500.

Alcibiades

An ancient figure whom Mrs Western groups with Socrates as a philosopher who instructed pupils rather than arguing with them.

Bailey

Also known as Bailey’s Dictionary

The dictionary writer whose work Mrs Western recommends to Sophia when disputing her use of the word “hate.”

Thespis

A figure whom the narrator says is traditionally credited with inventing the theatre.

Scipio the Great

Also known as Scipio

A Roman figure whom the narrator, citing Horace, says sometimes played the fool in jest.

Laelius the Wise

Also known as Laelius

A Roman figure whom the narrator, citing Horace, says sometimes played the fool in jest.

Mr William Mills

Also known as William Mills

An actor whom the narrator says has an honest face ill suited to playing the villain Iago.

Iago

The villain of Shakespeare’s Othello, used by the narrator as an example of a role that would look awkward on an honest face.

Adam

The biblical first man, whom the narrator uses as a comparison for Tom facing the world without anyone to turn to.

the eldest sister of Molly Seagrim

Also known as Betty Seagrim · Betty

Black George’s eldest daughter, who resents Molly and helps expose her affair with Square. She tells Tom that Will Barnes first seduced Molly and may have fathered her child.

the mother of Molly Seagrim

Also known as Black George’s wife · the gamekeeper’s wife · Goody Seagrim

Black George’s wife and mother of Molly and her sisters. She shares in the profits of Molly’s affair with Square and helps conceal it from Tom.

Mr Allworthy’s footman

Also known as the footman

An unnamed servant in Mr Allworthy’s household who announces that an attorney from Salisbury has arrived with an urgent message.

the nurse

Also known as the nurse at Mr Allworthy’s bedside

An unnamed woman attending Mr Allworthy during his illness. She snores at the foot of his bed while Tom keeps watch nearby.

Will Barnes

Also known as Barnes

A country gallant who first seduced Molly Seagrim and may be the father of her child. He also seduced and deserted her sister Betty, and the narrator says he ruined several women; one died violently, though it is uncertain whether she drowned herself or he drowned her.

the nobleman’s footman

An unnamed footman who promised to marry Mrs Honour, then deserted her after she had fallen in love with him.

the little bird

Also known as little Tommy

A tame bird Tom raised and taught to sing, then gave to Sophia. Sophia’s loss of it led Tom to risk drowning himself to retrieve it.

the physician who treated Mrs Blifil

An unnamed doctor whom Mr Blifil says was not present when his mother was seized with gout and died within hours.

Goody Brown

A parish woman who fights Molly Seagrim in the churchyard. Tom strikes her with his horsewhip while defending Molly.

Black George’s children

Also known as the gamekeeper’s children

The unnamed children of Black George and his wife, five in all. The earlier passage identifies three daughters in the household, including Molly and her eldest sister.

the servant accompanying Tom, Square, and Blifil

Also known as the servant

An unnamed servant who rides with the young men and is sent to fetch a pillion so Molly can be carried home.

another sister of Molly Seagrim

An unnamed sister of Molly who joins the family’s reproaches and tells her to wash the blood from her face.

the father of Molly Seagrim’s mother

Also known as Molly’s maternal grandfather

An unnamed clergyman, now deceased, who was the father of Goody Seagrim. She says he died deeply in debt and could not provide her with money.

Mr Osborne

A man cited by the narrator for the blunt opinion that women are more cowardly than other creatures.

Mr Bayle

Also known as Bayle

A writer whom the narrator cites for the view that women’s admiration of bravery may arise from their love of glory.

Oldmixon

A writer mentioned by the narrator as an example of a very long work.

the inventor of the English Pantomime

An unnamed artist credited by the narrator with inventing English pantomime and its serious and comic parts.

Harlequin

A comic stage figure whose tricks, in the English pantomime described by the narrator, are set off by the dull serious scenes.

Mrs Honour’s father

An unnamed clergyman, now deceased, whom Mrs Honour says was her father; she cites her legitimate birth and his clerical family as reasons she considers herself above Molly.

Mrs Honour’s mother

An unnamed woman, now deceased or absent, whom Mrs Honour identifies as her mother and says was married to her father.

the footmen

Unnamed male servants in Mr Allworthy’s household to whom Mrs Honour says she praised Tom and defended his birth.

Sir Richard Steele

Also known as Richard Steele

The writer whose remark about gluttons paying high prices for delicacies is quoted by Mr Square.

Solomon

The biblical king whose warning against evil company is invoked by Master Blifil to justify keeping his distance from Tom.

the neighbouring farmer

An unnamed farmer whom Squire Western summons to sit with him when Sophia declines supper.

the hawk

An unnamed hawk that carries off Sophia’s pet bird after Blifil releases it.

the gentleman of the law

Also known as Mr Counsellor · the lawyer

An unnamed lawyer present at Mr Western’s gathering. Asked about the legal status of Sophia’s escaped bird, he gives a technical opinion that no action would lie over a singing bird.

the parish women

Unnamed women who mock and pelt Molly after seeing her dressed in Sophia’s gown. Their attack turns into a fight in which Molly and the women exchange blows.

ragged Bess

Also known as Bess

An unnamed parish woman who advances at the front of the crowd against Molly. Molly knocks her down, prompting the others to retreat.

Jemmy Tweedle

A local fiddler from the banks of the Stour who is knocked down during the fight with Molly.

old Echepole

Also known as Echepole

An elderly local sow-gelder who is struck in the forehead during the fight with Molly.

Kate of the Mill

A local woman who falls over a tombstone during the fight with Molly.

Betty Pippin

A local woman who falls during the fight with Molly, alongside her lover Roger.

Roger

Also known as young Roger

Betty Pippin’s lover, who falls with her during the fight with Molly.

Tom Freckle

The smith’s son, an ingenious worker who makes pattens. He is knocked down during the fight with Molly.

Miss Crow

The daughter of a farmer, named among those who fall during the fight with Molly.

John Giddish

A farmer named among those who fall during the fight with Molly.

Nan Slouch

A local woman named among those who fall during the fight with Molly.

Esther Codling

A local woman named among those who fall during the fight with Molly.

Will Spray

A local man named among those who fall during the fight with Molly.

Tom Bennet

A local man named among those who fall during the fight with Molly.

the three Misses Potter

Three unnamed daughters of the keeper of the Red Lion, named among those who fall during the fight with Molly.

Betty Chambermaid

A local woman named among those who fall during the fight with Molly.

Jack Ostler

A local man named among those who fall during the fight with Molly.

Zekiel Brown

Also known as Ezekiel Brown

Goody Brown’s husband. The narrator says he embraces her and is marked by the consequences of her infidelity and violent temper.

Joan Top

A parish woman whom Goody Brown calls on to help oppose Molly.

Mrs Partridge

Also known as Anne · Anne Partridge

Mr Partridge’s wife, who accuses him of adultery with their servant and testifies that she caught him with Jenny Jones; he insists his confession was coerced and denies being the child’s father. After Mr Allworthy withdraws Partridge’s annuity, she regrets her testimony, becomes ill with smallpox, and dies.

the man who fathered Jenny Jones’s child

Also known as the wicked man · the father of the infant

An unnamed man Jenny identifies as the foundling’s father but refuses to name. The passage notes that a lad near eighteen in the same house as Jenny could have been the father, so Mr Partridge’s guilt remains uncertain.

Jenny Jones

Also known as Jenny

A learned young woman formerly employed in Mr Partridge’s household. Mr Allworthy sends for her to testify, but she cannot be found; she had left the area with a recruiting officer, and the narrator notes that a lad near eighteen may have fathered her child.

the servant in the Partridge household

An unnamed female servant whom Mrs Partridge accuses of having an affair with Mr Partridge in their home.

the lad near eighteen in the Partridge household

An unnamed young man who lived in the same house as Jenny Jones and had sufficient intimacy with her to be a possible father of her child.

the other lady

Also known as the lady visitant · Mrs Blifil’s intimate acquaintance

An unnamed woman who is close to Bridget Allworthy. She comforts Bridget when Captain Blifil is missing and helps attend her after she faints.

Captain Blifil

Also known as the captain · Captain John Blifil

Dr Blifil’s brother, a former half-pay officer who married Bridget Allworthy for the material advantages he expected from her family. He despised his wife and the foundling, schemed around Mr Allworthy’s fortune, and died suddenly of an apoplexy; the epitaph calls him a tender husband and good man.

the neighbouring squire’s servants

Two unnamed servants who accompany their master and corroborate his report that two guns were fired on his manor.

the friend who recommended Mr Thwackum

Also known as Mr Allworthy’s particular friend

An unnamed friend of Mr Allworthy, trusted for his understanding and integrity, who recommended Thwackum as a tutor. He had obligations to Thwackum’s family, influential people in a borough he represented in Parliament.

the squire’s eldest son

An unnamed seventeen-year-old boy who studied Latin grammar at Mr Partridge’s school.

the squire’s second son

An unnamed boy who studied reading and writing at Mr Partridge’s school.

the recruiting officer

An unnamed military officer who accompanied Jenny Jones when she left the area.

Dr Blifil

Also known as the doctor

Captain Blifil’s learned brother, who introduces him to Bridget Allworthy in hopes of their marriage. He is married, later leaves Mr Allworthy’s house after his brother mistreats him, and dies in London.

the second son of the neighbouring squire

An unnamed boy who studies reading and writing at Mr Partridge’s school.

the elder son of the neighbouring squire

An unnamed seventeen-year-old boy who studies Latin grammar at Mr Partridge’s school.

the neighbouring gossip

An unnamed woman who tells Mrs Partridge that Jenny Jones has borne twins and that the parish will not have to support them.

women neighbours who attend Mrs Partridge

Unnamed women who respond to Mr Partridge’s call for help when his wife faints. They hear Mrs Partridge accuse him of beating her and rebuke him.

Allworthy’s wife

Mr Allworthy’s late wife, described as worthy and beautiful. She bore him three children, all of whom died in infancy.

elderly woman-servant

Also known as the matron

An unnamed senior servant summoned by Mr Allworthy when he discovers the infant; she is later revealed as Mrs Deborah Wilkins.

the elderly matron

An unnamed parish woman whom Mrs Deborah consults while searching for the infant’s mother; she joins Deborah in suspecting Jenny Jones.

Cleostratus

A man in an anecdote who replies to someone admonishing him for drunkenness by questioning whether it is proper to admonish a drunk man.

Pittacus

A lawgiver whose rule imposing double punishment on drunken offenders is discussed by the narrator through Aristotle.

Dr Swift

Also known as Swift

A writer cited by the narrator for mentioning people who claim to have discovered that there is no God.

Mr Hogarth

Also known as Hogarth

A writer whose poor poet is said by the narrator to have written against riches.

the Wiltshire thief

An unnamed thief from Wiltshire pursued by three countrymen through Brentford; he escapes because they search the wrong place.

the three countrymen

Three unnamed countrymen pursuing the Wiltshire thief. Their differing assumptions about whether he can read cause them to search the Wiltshire House and miss him.

the first countryman

The simplest of three countrymen pursuing a Wiltshire thief; he sees the sign “The Wiltshire House” and assumes the thief may be inside.

the second countryman

A countryman pursuing the Wiltshire thief who dismisses the first man’s reasoning as simplistic.

the third countryman

The cleverest of three countrymen pursuing the Wiltshire thief; he argues the thief may enter the Wiltshire House because the pursuers will not expect it.

the company accompanying Mr Western

Unnamed companions who are with Squire Western during his afternoon walk when he comes upon the fight involving Tom, Blifil, and Thwackum.

Mr Bayes

Also known as Bayes

A writer whose stage troops are imagined by the narrator as getting up and marching away after a harmless mock battle.

the fair hind

A female deer in the narrator’s simile, who shrinks from a stag when hostile beasts approach.

the stag

Also known as the lofty-crested stag

A male deer in the narrator’s simile, who guards his mate and challenges approaching foes.

the sibyl

Also known as the female priestess · the priestess

A female prophet in Virgil’s verse, quoted in the narrator’s comparison as warning the profane to stay away from the sacred grove.