The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling · Character

Mr. Nightingale

A genial young London gentleman whose secret marriage to Nancy Miller forces Tom to choose between friendship and the demands of a furious father.

supporting

Also known as Nightingale, old Mr. Nightingale, young Nightingale, young Mr. Nightingale, Old Mr. Nightingale, old Nightingale, Young Nightingale, young Nightingale

First appearance: the history of tom jones a foundling

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

Associates with Tom and becomes involved in the chapter's events.

In the storyBook XIIIOpen this moment free

Nightingale is the sociable young man about town who befriends Tom in London, generous with drink, company, and advice. His private attachment to his landlady's daughter Nancy collides with old Mr. Nightingale's plans for a wealthy match, turning domestic comedy into a test of honor. His predicament gives Tom a chance to repay friendship with practical loyalty, and shows the London world in its most charming and most mercenary light.

See Mr. Nightingale in Book XIII Book page

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Character Web

27 connections

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Other

Character groups

Central plot characters
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

Mr. Nightingale appears across 22 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book XIII
Associates with Tom and becomes involved in the chapter's events.
V
A young gentleman of wit and pleasure lodging on the first floor; quarrels with his footman over a damaged book and is rescued by Jones; shows generosity and humanity.
VI
Expresses romantic views on love; interprets the masquerade ticket as a gift from a lady; offers to take Tom to the masquerade.
VII
Accompanies Jones to the masquerade but soon leaves him to pursue a female.
Chapter VIII
Dines with Jones at Mrs. Miller's; expresses concern for the Andersons but offers only a guinea.
IX
Jones's intimate friend; invites Jones to a play, but Jones declines due to his appointment with Lady Bellaston.
A Chapter Which, Though Short, May Draw Tears from Some Eyes
Mrs. Miller's cousin; deeply grateful to Jones for saving his family; nearly reveals the robbery but recollects himself.
Chapter IV
Confesses his love for Nancy but plans to leave her for an arranged marriage; shows loose morals in love.
VI
Revealed to have seduced and abandoned Nancy, leaving her pregnant.
Chapter VII
Torn between love for Nancy and fear of his father's disapproval; confesses his promise of marriage and his anguish.
Chapter VIII
The father of young Nightingale, initially furious about the marriage due to Nancy's small fortune, but gradually becomes more receptive after Tom's arguments.
IX
Confesses to his uncle that he is not yet married to Nancy, and defends his commitment to her based on honour, conscience, and affection.
A short chapter, which concludes the book
The young nephew who whispers assurances to Nancy but is carried off by his uncle.
Chapter VIII
Soberly dressed and ready for marriage; his escape from his uncle is explained, and he marries Miss Nancy.
Containing love-letters of several sorts
Advises Jones on how to extricate himself from Lady Bellaston by proposing marriage; reveals her scandalous reputation.
Chapter X
Agrees to move to new lodgings with his wife to accommodate Mr. Allworthy.
V
Visits Jones, reassures him about the duel's legal consequences, and promises to investigate Fitzpatrick's condition.
Chapter VII
Mentioned as the father of Nancy's lover; Allworthy agrees to visit him.
Chapter IX
Present with Jones and Mrs. Miller; his earlier report had caused Jones melancholy, but this is now relieved by Mrs. Waters's news.
III
Young Nightingale brings news that the wounded gentleman is out of danger and declares he attacked Jones first; also reports Jones's respectful feelings toward Allworthy.
Chapter V
Reveals he saw Dowling with the press-gang fellows, exposing Blifil's scheme.
Chapter XII
Mentioned by Tom as having given him security for a fair pretence to break off with Lady Bellaston.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Nightingale in Book XIII