Such Is Life · Character

Tom Collins

A bullock driver who narrates his own wandering life with philosophical irony, forever balancing hard labour against the luxury of a quiet mind.

major

Also known as Collins, Tom, Mr. Collins, Thomas Collins, Terrible Tommy, Tommy

First appearance: Such Is Life

As a major figure in Such Is Life, Tom Collins is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The narrator and diarist, a reflective and often ironic observer of bush life.

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With Warrigal Alf (friendship): Frequent interactions suggest a friendly, perhaps mentor-like relationship. With Moriarty (friendship): Companions who interact often, likely sharing a mutual respect or camaraderie. With…

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Character Web

47 connections

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Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Central Bullock Drivers
Local Authority Figures
Protagonist

+42 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the narrative climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the narrat…

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Relationships

Warrigal Alf
friendship · positive
Frequent interactions suggest a friendly, perhaps mentor-like relationship. How this plays out →
Moriarty
friendship · positive
Mosey Price
friendship · positive
Warrigal Alf
friendship · positive
Frequent interactions suggest a friendly, perhaps mentor-like relationship. How this plays out →
Mosey Price
friendship · positive
Moriarty
friendship · positive
Moriarty
friendship · positive

Warrigal Alf
Frequent interactions suggest a friendly, perhaps mentor-like relationship.
Moriarty
Companions who interact often, likely sharing a mutual respect or camaraderie.
Mosey Price
Frequent interactions indicate a warm, friendly bond.
Warrigal Alf
Frequent interactions suggest a friendly, perhaps mentor-like relationship.
Mosey Price
Frequent interactions indicate a warm, friendly bond.
Moriarty
Companions who interact often, likely sharing a mutual respect or camaraderie.
Moriarty
Companions who interact often, likely sharing a mutual respect or camaraderie.

Relationship notes

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

See Tom Collins in Such Is Life

In the story

Tom Collins appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Such Is Life
The narrator and diarist, a reflective and often ironic observer of bush life.
I
The narrator and a government official of the ninth class, reflecting on the condition of reduced gentlemen and engaging in philosophical and practical discussions with the teamsters.
II
Narrator and observer, reflects on the landscape and visits Rory O'Halloran.
Chapter III
The narrator and observer, who reflects on social justice and later shares his camp with a swagman.
IV
Narrator and participant in the conversation with Stewart about nationality and Alf Morris.
V
Narrator and participant in the horse settlement; experiences anxiety about Pup and later reflects on Mary's death.
Chapter VI
Narrator who reflects on his own loss of vigor and individuality, and engages in philosophical musings.
VII
The narrator, who exercises authorial control and travels to Alf Jones's paddock.
Endnotes
The author and narrator, who corrects a factual error in the text.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Tom Collins in Such Is Life