The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling · Character

Black George

Allworthy's dismissed gamekeeper, father of Molly Seagrim, whose hunger for bread keeps dragging him into poaching, debt, and betrayals of Tom.

supporting

Also known as poor George, George, the said George, George Seagrim, one George Seagrim

First appearance: the history of tom jones a foundling

As a supporting figure in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, Black George is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The gamekeeper who trespasses with Tom; relies on Tom's promise to keep him out of trouble.

In the storyChapter IIOpen this moment free

Black George scrapes a living at the edges of the estate, loved by his daughter Molly and pitied by Tom, but never quite able to resist the main chance. When he is caught with a hare, the machinery of local justice and Blifil's malice close around him, and Tom's efforts to save him only deepen his own troubles. His weakness tests Tom's loyalty and exposes how little the poor can afford virtue.

See Black George in Chapter II Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

26 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central plot characters
Sophia's aristocratic suitors
Minor and background figures

+21 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because the Man of the Hill reaches the emotional and psychological nad…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Black George appears across 21 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter II
The gamekeeper who trespasses with Tom; relies on Tom's promise to keep him out of trouble.
Chapter IV
Mentioned as the gamekeeper who was present during the partridge-shooting and whom Tom tried to protect.
V
Dismissed by Allworthy for lying to protect Tom, despite Tom's earlier defense of him; his fate evokes pity among the servants.
Chapter VIII
Mentioned as the poor gamekeeper whose family is perishing from cold and hunger; Tom's charity is directed toward them.
In which Master Blifil and Jones appear in different lights
The gamekeeper who is condemned for poaching a hare, despite Tom's efforts to help him.
V
Gamekeeper facing ruin; saved by Tom's and Sophia's intercession; receives deputation.
VI
Black George is the gamekeeper and father of Molly; Tom's goodwill toward him and compassion for his family influence Tom's restraint.
Chapter VIII
Molly's father; is thunderstruck when Sophia orders him to bring Molly to her.
Chapter IX
Returns home to relay Sophia's offer, but is met with his wife's recriminations and uses physical discipline to restore order.
Chapter X
Molly's father, the gamekeeper, mentioned in relation to his daughter's behavior.
Chapter XII
Finds and keeps Jones's lost pocketbook, then agrees to deliver a letter to Sophia.
Chapter XIII
Receives Sophia's money to deliver to Tom, struggles with his conscience but ultimately delivers it.
I
Referenced as the character who runs away with £500 from his friend and benefactor, illustrating a villainous act on the stage of life.
V
Benjamin recalls Jones's good-nature toward Black George, which made him beloved.
Chapter XII
Found by Partridge at an alehouse; reveals that Blifil is coming to town to marry Sophia; expresses friendship toward Tom.
Chapter III
Brings Sophia the pullet containing Tom's letter, showing kindness to her.
V
Arrives in town and offers to help Jones, delivering Sophia's letter.
Book XVI, Chapter X
Delivers Sophia's letter to Tom Jones via Partridge.
II
Visits Jones in prison, offers money, and brings news of Sophia's improved standing with Squire Western.
III
Discovered by Allworthy at old Nightingale's house; has hoarded £500 in bank-bills, which Allworthy recognizes as his own.
XI
His theft of the banknotes is revealed; Tom argues for leniency due to temptation and past kindness.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Black George unlock in the free preview.

See Black George in the history of tom jones a foundling

See Black George in Chapter II