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Short Fiction · Character

Tom Ellison

A strong, silent gardener who swore off women until Sally's beauty ambushed him, leaving this career-minded young man stammering his first gallant speech over a rosebush.

supporting

Also known as Tom, Ellison

First appearance: when papa swore in hindustani

As a supporting figure in Short Fiction, Tom Ellison is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

One of the two rivals in love with Dolly Burn; agrees to let the cricket match decide who proposes first.
In the storyTom, Dick, and HarryOpen this moment free

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Tom Ellison represents the self-disciplined man undone by love, a head-gardener-in-training who planned to eliminate woman as a dangerous obstacle to success. His crimson ears and chaotic thoughts betray him as he joins…

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See Tom Ellison in when papa swore in hindustani

Character Web

22 connections

A slice of how Tom Ellison sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

EREve Rastall-Re…MPMaud PetersAWArthur WelshCHCrowned Heads …POPots O'Money O…TETom Ellison

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Diverse supporting cast
  • Protagonist
  • Transformative and military roles
  • Central cast of characters

+17 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

The emotional peak occurs when the narrator’s pervasive homesickness and alienation crystallize as she hears t…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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In the story

Tom Ellison appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Tom Ellison unlock in the free preview.

See Tom Ellison in when papa swore in hindustani
Who is Tom Ellison in Short Fiction?