# Tom Ellison — Short Fiction character guide

> Tom Ellison in Short Fiction by P. G. Wodehouse.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Tom, Ellison

**First appearance:** 0000-when-papa-swore-in-hindustani

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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 the village youths besieging Sally's cottage, where conversation dies and glowering reigns. His struggle between ambition and desire anchors the romantic comedy's central tension.

## In the story

### [Tom, Dick, and Harry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_42_se/chapters/tom-dick-and-harry)

One of the two rivals in love with Dolly Burn; agrees to let the cricket match decide who proposes first.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_42_se/characters/tom_ellison
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_42_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_42_se/characters