# Master Blifil — The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling character guide > Master Blifil in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Blifil, Blifil, Master Blifil, young Blifil, the vanquished Blifil, young Mr. Blifil, Young Blifil **First appearance:** 0001-the-history-of-tom-jones-a-foundling ## Snapshot Allworthy's nephew and presumptive heir, a boy whose tears arrive on cue and whose piety is a weapon he wields with unnerving precision. ## Who they are Where Tom acts on impulse, Blifil calculates, and the contrast is never sharper than when he stands bleeding before his uncle, weeping and quoting heaven while carefully omitting the insult that provoked the blow. He reports Tom's lie about the partridge not out of conscience but out of strategy, and Thwackum's eager outrage does the rest. His rivalry with Tom runs through love, inheritance, and reputation, making him the quiet engine of the novel's central conflict. ## Relationships ### [Tom Jones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/tom_jones) _rivalry_ Master Blifil is Tom's jealous and deceitful half-brother, constantly scheming against him. ### [Squire Allworthy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/squire_allworthy) _family_ Master Blifil is Squire Allworthy's nephew, but he manipulates his uncle's trust for personal gain. ### [Tom Jones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/tom_jones) _rivalry_ Master Blifil is Tom's jealous and deceitful half-brother, constantly scheming against him. ### [Tom Jones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/tom_jones) _rivalry_ Master Blifil is Tom's jealous and deceitful half-brother, constantly scheming against him. ### [Squire Allworthy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/squire_allworthy) _family_ Master Blifil is Squire Allworthy's nephew, but he manipulates his uncle's trust for personal gain. ### [Squire Allworthy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/squire_allworthy) _family_ Master Blifil is Squire Allworthy's nephew, but he manipulates his uncle's trust for personal gain. ## In the story ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xii) Listens to Allworthy's sermon with profound attention, though with some difficulty suppressing his amusement. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-iii) Master Blifil is present as a member of the Allworthy household during these years. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as Tom's virtuous counterpart, absent on a visit with his mother. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Provokes Tom by calling him a 'beggarly bastard,' then accuses Tom of lying about the partridge-shooting incident. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Depicted as hypocritical and flattering, gaining favor with Thwackum and Square by feigning respect and repeating their doctrines, while secretly betraying Tom. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Mrs. Blifil's son, whom she neglects and dislikes. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) He is absolutely detested by his own mother, Mrs. Blifil, which elicits Mr. Allworthy's compassion and causes Allworthy to see his virtues more favorably. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix) Purchases Tom's Bible out of prudence and later reveals the sale to Thwackum. ### [In which Master Blifil and Jones appear in different lights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/x) Secretly reveals Black George's poaching to Mr. Allworthy, motivated by a strict sense of justice. ### [Book IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-iv) Blifil's presence and rivalry with Tom become more pronounced over the year. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Releases Sophia's bird under the guise of granting it liberty, but his action is seen as malicious. He feigns remorse and blames the bird's subsequent death on a hawk. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Praised by Square as having notions of moral rectitude that cannot be eradicated. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Described as prudent but self-interested; becomes enraged at Tom's success with Black George. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as an example of a mind whose affections are solely placed on one single person, contrasting with Tom's more generous nature. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Present at the churchyard scene; objects to sending the servant for a sidesaddle. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xi) Charges Thwackum with the story of Tom's transgression, setting the tutor's invective in motion. ### [Book V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-v) Blifil's jealousy and hypocrisy become more apparent as he schemes against Tom. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Visits seldom and never alone, professing concern but avoiding intimacy. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Present at the bedside, he weeps loudly and is comforted by Allworthy; he is named heir to the estate. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Insists on informing his uncle of his mother's death, citing his uncle's orders; shows a melancholy countenance. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix) Offended by Tom's behavior during mourning, rebukes him, and engages in a scuffle. Later tells Allworthy about the quarrel. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/x) Observes Jones and Molly from a distance and informs Thwackum, concealing Jones's name. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xi) Joins Thwackum in attacking Jones, declaring he will not see his old master insulted, but is twice knocked down by Tom. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xii) Vanquished and lying pale on the ground; refuses Western's invitation to sup, citing undisclosed reasons. ### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-vi) Blifil continues to manipulate events to his advantage, positioning himself as the suitable heir and suitor while undermining Tom. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) The intended groom in the proposed match; Sophia addresses her discourse to him during dinner. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Agrees to marry Sophia out of avarice and ambition, not love. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Mr. Blifil is the suitor Mrs. Western and Squire Western have chosen for Sophia. He is to visit Sophia that very afternoon as her intended husband. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Visits Sophia as a suitor; misreads her discomfort as bashfulness and feels confident of success. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Referred to as Jones's odious rival whom Sophia refuses to marry. ### [In which Mr. Western visits Mr. Allworthy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/x) Manipulatively reveals Tom's misconduct to Allworthy, feigning reluctance and forgiveness to further his own scheme against Tom. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xi) Mentioned by Allworthy as the good young man whom Tom has ill-treated, though Tom is unaware of Blifil's story against him. ### [Book VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-vii) His schemes and interactions come to the fore. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Writes the letter commanding Jones to quit the country on behalf of Allworthy. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Blifil is the intended husband for Sophia, referred to as 'the gaoler Blifil' and the object of Sophia's hatred. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as the cause of the first dispute between Sophia and her father. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Pursues Sophia despite her hatred, driven by lust, revenge, and greed; uses equivocation to deceive Allworthy. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) The intended husband Sophia is desperate to escape; referred to as a 'contemptible wretch' by Sophia. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as Jones's rival in love for Sophia Western. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Blifil arrives expecting to finalize the wedding but is disappointed by Sophia's disappearance; he bears it with philosophical calm. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix) Mentioned as the man Sophia hates and is fleeing from. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/x) Denounced by Tom as a rascal who dishonors the name of man and has plotted Tom's ruin. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xii) Reported by Black George to be coming to town to marry Sophia. ### [Book XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-xvi) Blifil's machinations and deceitful nature are further exposed, contributing to the central conflicts. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Eager to marry Sophia for fortune and hatred; manipulates Allworthy to allow renewed courtship. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Accompanies Squire Western; bows and stammers awkwardly; suspects Mrs. Western's words hint at deeper matters. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Suspicious of the coldness shown him by Mrs. Western, sensing the real reason behind it. ### [Book XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-xvii) Blifil remains in the background, his schemes contributing to the obstacles Tom faces. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Maliciously reports that Tom has killed a man, sneering at Mrs. Miller's defense. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Pleads for perseverance in winning Sophia's affections, expresses hope that Tom Jones's legal troubles will remove his rival, and claims he will not consent to violence. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Referenced as a previous suitor Sophia detested, compared unfavorably to Lord Fellamar. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Arrives with Dowling, having become a favorite of Allworthy and recommended Dowling as steward. ### [Book XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-xviii) Tom's rival, whose schemes are exposed, leading to his disinheritance. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as having told Allworthy a bad account of Jones's affair. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned by Thwackum as 'your worthy nephew' and as a source of information about Tom's villainy. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Confesses to sending Dowling to soften witnesses, claiming compassion, but is later exposed as deceitful. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Revealed through Dowling's testimony to have ordered the investigation and encouragement of prosecution against Tom. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix) Referred to as a villain by Allworthy, who has discovered his true character. ### [Wherein the history begins to draw towards a conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/x) Mentioned as having betrayed Tom, leading to Allworthy's unjust treatment. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xi) Found in despair, confesses his villainy, and is granted time for repentance before leaving. ### [Chapter the Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/chapter-the-last) Receives a £200 annuity from Allworthy, supplemented by Tom, and lives in the north, planning to enter Parliament. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/master_blifil - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters