# Captain Tomlinson — Clarissa character guide > Captain Tomlinson in Clarissa by Samuel Richardson. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Captain Tomlinson, Tomlinson, Captain, Antony Tomlinson **First appearance:** 0001-clarissa ## Snapshot A grave, unblushing impostor hired to play Lovelace's respectable friend, lending false dignity to a courtship built entirely on forgery and performance. ## Who they are Tomlinson arrives at Mrs. Moore's parlor as Lovelace's trusted ally, a solemn gentleman who speaks warmly of the Harlowe family and coolly of Lovelace's defiance, winning the women's sympathy with every well-timed stroke of his ruffles. He is a hired actor whose authority rests on nothing but Lovelace's need to make his lies credible to Clarissa and her landlady. His performance matters because it shows how thoroughly Lovelace has staged the world around Clarissa, turning even friendship into a purchased prop. ## Relationships ### [Mrs. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/mrs_harlowe) _social_ Captain Tomlinson is an acquaintance of Mrs. Harlowe, possibly involved in family negotiations or social affairs. ### [Mrs. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/mrs_harlowe) _social_ Captain Tomlinson is an acquaintance of Mrs. Harlowe, possibly involved in family negotiations or social affairs. ### [Mrs. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/mrs_harlowe) _social_ Captain Tomlinson is an acquaintance of Mrs. Harlowe, possibly involved in family negotiations or social affairs. ## In the story ### [Letter 213: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-213-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Claimed as the master of the inquiring servant, a friend of Mr. John Harlowe. ### [Letter 214: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-214-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Visits Lovelace as an intermediary for Mr. John Harlowe, seeking confirmation of the marriage for reconciliation. ### [Letter 215: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-215-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Tomlinson is the mediator sent by Clarissa's uncle; Lovelace hopes to turn his errand to his advantage. ### [Letter 216: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-216-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) The go-between for Lovelace and Mr. John Harlowe; is deceived by Lovelace's story and expresses delight at the supposed happy situation. ### [Letter 217: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-217-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Revealed to be a disguised forger named Patrick McDonald, part of Lovelace's deception. ### [Letter 219: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-219-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace has sent him a copy of the marriage settlements. ### [Letter 220: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-220-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as recipient of settlement drafts; part of Lovelace's deception. ### [Letter 221: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-221-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Acts as intermediary between Mr. John Harlowe and Lovelace, conveying the proposal for a secret marriage. ### [Letter 227: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-227-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as a figure whose upcoming visit necessitates reconciliation between Lovelace and Clarissa. ### [Letter 231: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-231-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Arrives unexpectedly at Lovelace's lodging, offering to assist in reconciling Clarissa. ### [Letter 237: Mr. Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-237-mr-lovelace) Arrives as a confederate of Lovelace, playing the role of Mr. John Harlowe's representative and reinforcing Lovelace's false narrative. ### [Letter 238: Mr. Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-238-mr-lovelace) Fabricated ally of Lovelace; visits to help reconcile Clarissa but is denied audience. ### [Letter 241: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-241-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Expected to arrive but has not yet come; Lovelace awaits his presence. ### [Letter 242: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-242-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Arrives after a delay; is annoyed at being made to wait. ### [Letter 243: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-243-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Acts as mediator, attempts to reconcile Clarissa and Lovelace, but ultimately leaves when Clarissa remains resolute. ### [Letter 244: Mr. Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-244-mr-lovelace) Disguised accomplice of Lovelace; argues for reconciliation and Lady Betty's arbitration; shows compunction and glistening eyes, but is manipulated by Lovelace's signals and ultimately complies. ### [Letter 245: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-245-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Assists Lovelace in the staged debate; pretends to be a mediator for Uncle Harlowe. ### [Letter 246: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-246-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as having a debate with Lovelace about the fate of the lady. ### [Letter 248: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-248-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Sent to persuade Uncle Harlowe to attend the ceremony, part of Lovelace's deception. ### [Letter 261: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-261-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace plans to inform him of Clarissa's recovery to pacify her via uncle John. ### [Letter 266: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-266-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as part of Lovelace's fabricated treaty with Clarissa's uncle; Lovelace claims to have sent him a letter. ### [Letter 271: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-271-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Appears in the dream as a figure who helps pacify Clarissa with a letter about her uncle's birthday. ### [Letter 272: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-272-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Author of a forged letter that Lovelace plans to use to manipulate Clarissa. ### [Letter 274: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-274-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as the author of a letter used by Lovelace in his attempt to persuade Clarissa. ### [Letter 284: Mr. Lovelace, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-284-mr-lovelace-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Provides intelligence about Clarissa's family and is named as proxy for her uncle Harlowe; goes to town to attend Clarissa's pleasure. ### [Letter 287: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-287-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as the recipient of a letter Lovelace encloses, designed to be shown to Clarissa. ### [Letter 288: Mr. Lovelace, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-288-mr-lovelace-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Will visit Clarissa in Belford's stead, bearing news of her mother's possible approval. ### [Letter 289: To Mr. Patrick McDonald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-289-to-mr-patrick-mcdonald) McDonald is to impersonate Tomlinson, using a sealed letter directed to him under that name. ### [Letter 290: To Captain Tomlinson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-290-to-captain-tomlinson) Recipient of the letter; Lovelace asks him to intercede with Clarissa and to inform Mr. John Harlowe. ### [Letter 302: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Lady Betty Lawrance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-302-miss-cl-harlowe-to-lady-betty-lawrance) Mentioned as the source of the report to Mr. Spurrier about Lovelace's supposed nuptials. ### [Letter 304: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Hodges Enfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-304-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-hodges-enfield) Subject of Clarissa's inquiry; she describes his appearance and asks about his intimacy with her uncle. ### [Letter 305: Mrs. Hodges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-305-mrs-hodges) Inquired about by Clarissa; Mrs. Hodges confirms the master knows no such man. ### [Letter 310: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-310-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Referenced in Anna's earlier warnings about his involvement in Lovelace's schemes. ### [Letter 312: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-312-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Urges Clarissa to forgive Lovelace during the Hampstead visit. ### [Letter 313: Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-313-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as a deep deceiver; his years and seriousness gave him advantages in villainy. ### [Letter 315: Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-315-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Referred to as 'vile Tomlinson'; Clarissa wonders how he knew details that gave her confidence in him. ### [Letter 316: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-316-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as a possible accomplice or familiar of Lovelace, suspected by Anna of being part of the deception. ### [Letter 514: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-514-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Dying in Maidstone gaol after a smuggling incident; penitent for his role in the imposture against Clarissa. ### [Letter 515: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-515-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Reported dead; Lovelace expresses regret but dismisses his own responsibility. ### [Letter 516: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-516-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace mentions he once thought of taking Tomlinson with him, but his destiny prevented it. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/captain_tomlinson - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters