# Tom Collins — Such Is Life character guide

> Tom Collins in Such Is Life by Joseph Furphy.

**Role:** major

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

**First appearance:** 0001-such-is-life

## Who they are

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

## Relationships

### [Warrigal Alf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/characters/warrigal_alf)

_friendship_

Frequent interactions suggest a friendly, perhaps mentor-like relationship.

### [Moriarty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/characters/moriarty)

_friendship_

Companions who interact often, likely sharing a mutual respect or camaraderie.

### [Mosey Price](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/characters/mosey_price)

_friendship_

Frequent interactions indicate a warm, friendly bond.

### [Warrigal Alf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/characters/warrigal_alf)

_friendship_

Frequent interactions suggest a friendly, perhaps mentor-like relationship.

### [Mosey Price](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/characters/mosey_price)

_friendship_

Frequent interactions indicate a warm, friendly bond.

### [Moriarty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/characters/moriarty)

_friendship_

Companions who interact often, likely sharing a mutual respect or camaraderie.

### [Moriarty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/characters/moriarty)

_friendship_

Companions who interact often, likely sharing a mutual respect or camaraderie.

## In the story

### [Such Is Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/chapters/such-is-life)

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

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/chapters/ii)

Narrator and observer, reflects on the landscape and visits Rory O'Halloran.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/chapters/iii)

The narrator and observer, who reflects on social justice and later shares his camp with a swagman.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/chapters/iv)

Narrator and participant in the conversation with Stewart about nationality and Alf Morris.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/chapters/v)

Narrator and participant in the horse settlement; experiences anxiety about Pup and later reflects on Mary's death.

### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/chapters/vi)

Narrator who reflects on his own loss of vigor and individuality, and engages in philosophical musings.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/chapters/vii)

The narrator, who exercises authorial control and travels to Alf Jones's paddock.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/chapters/endnotes)

The author and narrator, who corrects a factual error in the text.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/characters/tom_collins
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/such_is_life_se/characters