Stover at Yale · Character

Tom Regan

A proud scholarship boy who refuses every helping hand, Regan means to earn his place at Yale on his own hard terms.

supporting

Also known as Regan, Tommy

First appearance: ii

As a supporting figure in Stover at Yale, Tom Regan is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Stover's roommate, a serious and determined freshman who is skeptical of Le Baron's influence.

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See Tom Regan in I Book page

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Regan comes from nothing and believes in nothing but independence, clean government, and hard fighters, and he tells Stover plainly that he must get absolute hold of himself before he can do anything. He won't let the University carry him, insisting he needs the hardest things to come up against, and he plans to work his way into South Middle and the Co-op rather than take the easier path. His fierce self-reliance sharpens Stover's sense of what character costs.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Tom Regan sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Tom Regan in ii

Character Web

32 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Stover's Inner Circle
Social and Romantic Connections
Protagonist

+27 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because Stover reaches his emotional and psychological peak in a violent nervous c…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Dink Stover
friendship · positive
Tom Regan is a loyal and supportive friend to Dink Stover, often acting as a moral anchor… How this plays out →
Joe Hungerford
friendship · positive
Dink Stover
friendship · positive
Tom Regan is a loyal and supportive friend to Dink Stover, often acting as a moral anchor… How this plays out →
Dink Stover
friendship · positive
Tom Regan is a loyal and supportive friend to Dink Stover, often acting as a moral anchor… How this plays out →
Joe Hungerford
friendship · positive
Joe Hungerford
friendship · positive

Dink Stover
Tom Regan is a loyal and supportive friend to Dink Stover, often acting as a moral anchor and companion in social and athletic pursuits.
Joe Hungerford
Joe Hungerford and Tom Regan are friends and mutual associates of Dink Stover, interacting within the same social circle.
Dink Stover
Tom Regan is a loyal and supportive friend to Dink Stover, often acting as a moral anchor and companion in social and athletic pursuits.
Dink Stover
Tom Regan is a loyal and supportive friend to Dink Stover, often acting as a moral anchor and companion in social and athletic pursuits.
Joe Hungerford
Joe Hungerford and Tom Regan are friends and mutual associates of Dink Stover, interacting within the same social circle.
Joe Hungerford
Joe Hungerford and Tom Regan are friends and mutual associates of Dink Stover, interacting within the same social circle.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Tom Regan in ii

In the story

Tom Regan appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
Stover's roommate, a serious and determined freshman who is skeptical of Le Baron's influence.
III
His shampoo by sophomores is recounted by Buck Waters; Stover and McCarthy plan to call him out for wrestling.
VI
Accepts Stover's invitation to the eating club, earns a position as right guard on the football team, and maintains a solitary, purposeful demeanor.
The Night Before the Game
Regan provides steady, fatherly support to Stover, walking with him through the crowds and offering blunt encouragement to calm his nerves.
The Game Against Princeton
Regan is noted as outplaying his man on the line, and later helps Stover to his feet after a tackle. He also leads a cheer for Captain Dana after the game.
XI
Studying Greek in his spartan room, reveals his political ambitions and his philosophy of self-reliance and hard work, impressing Stover.
XIII
Mentioned as having stayed away from a meeting on purpose, and as someone the society crowd wants but who has queered himself with them.
XIV
Regan appears after Tap Day, expressing a surprising defense of the system and criticizing those who fear judgment.
XV
Visits Stover in his new room; their friendship is genuine and warm.
XVI
Participates in the debate at Swazey's rooms and encourages Stover's intellectual awakening, inviting him to talk further.
XVII
Stover considers him the ideal friend, with Roman-like qualities and democratic ideals.
The Break
Remains Stover's loyal friend during his period of excess, helping him home after a night of drinking.
XXIII
Nominated by Stover as the next football captain; described as the born leader of men.
XXIV
Part of Stover's circle, brings Stover to interest in politics and romance of commonplace things.
XXVI
Regan stands by Stover and helps uncover the truth from Troutman and Schley.
XXVII
One of Stover's roommates; remains calm during the waiting period; locks arms with the group on Tap Day.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Tom Regan in ii

See Tom Regan in I