# Mr. Partridge — The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling character guide > Mr. Partridge in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Partridge, the said Partridge, poor Partridge, O Partridge, the ingenious Mr. Partridge **First appearance:** 0001-the-history-of-tom-jones-a-foundling ## Snapshot A superstitious schoolmaster turned loyal traveling companion, whose terror of ghosts and witches is matched only by his devotion to Tom. ## Who they are Partridge enters Tom's life as a man suspected of fathering the foundling, and stays as the most faithful and funniest presence in his wanderings. At a London performance of Hamlet, he mistakes the ghost for a man in strange dress, trembles when Garrick does, and reasons aloud that a ghost at such a distance could do no harm anyway. His credulity and his heart make him the perfect foil for Tom's recklessness, and their road together supplies the novel's warmest comic passages. ## Relationships ### [Tom Jones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/tom_jones) _friendship_ Partridge is Tom's loyal and comic companion, serving as his tutor and later his traveling partner. ### [Sir George Gresham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/sir_george_gresham) _social_ Partridge and Sir George Gresham are casual acquaintances, often crossing paths in Tom's orbit. ### [Sir George Gresham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/sir_george_gresham) _social_ Partridge and Sir George Gresham are casual acquaintances, often crossing paths in Tom's orbit. ### [Tom Jones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/tom_jones) _friendship_ Partridge is Tom's loyal and comic companion, serving as his tutor and later his traveling partner. ### [Tom Jones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/tom_jones) _friendship_ Partridge is Tom's loyal and comic companion, serving as his tutor and later his traveling partner. ### [Sir George Gresham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/sir_george_gresham) _social_ Partridge and Sir George Gresham are casual acquaintances, often crossing paths in Tom's orbit. ## In the story ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) The schoolmaster, a good-natured and humorous man, but dominated by his jealous wife. He teaches Jenny Jones Latin and endures his wife's suspicions. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) The pedagogue who suffers a violent attack from his wife after she hears gossip about Jenny Jones. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Identified as the schoolmaster of Little Baddington and the alleged father of the foundling; rumors of wife-beating spread about him. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) The schoolmaster accused of incontinency; pleads not guilty but is convicted and loses his livelihood. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Partridge has been effectively demolished by the captain's actions, though the captain's scheme to remove Tom fails. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/x) The guide who leads Tom astray, later reveals Tom's background to the inn's company. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xi) The guide who demands extra payment from Jones and is condemned by the soldiers. ### [Book VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-viii) Meets Tom and becomes his companion on the road. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Partridge reveals himself as the barber-surgeon Little Benjamin, explaining that Tom was the innocent cause of his ruin. He insists on accompanying Tom, citing dreams and a desire to serve. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Partridge hopes to regain Allworthy's favor by persuading Jones to return home; he packs their belongings and accompanies Jones. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Accompanies Jones as his companion, staying with the servants; informs the kitchen company that he is a friend, not a servant; reluctantly follows Jones when he decides to leave. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix) Grumbles about cold and hunger, advises returning to Gloucester, but ultimately decides to follow Jones out of loyalty and perhaps self-interest. ### [In which our travellers meet with a very extraordinary adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/x) Fearful and superstitious, Partridge is terrified of ghosts, witches, and the Man of the Hill. He urges Jones to leave and is relieved to find a fire and brandy. ### [In which the Man of the Hill begins to relate his history](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xi) Interrupts the narrative with eager questions and comments, showing his curiosity and moralizing tendencies. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xii) Interjects with comments and questions during the Man of the Hill's narrative, showing his superstitious and literal-minded nature. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xiii) Listener to the stranger's tale; interjects with Latin phrase 'Tempus edax rerum'. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xiv) Present with Jones, listening to the Man of the Hill's narrative. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xv) Falls asleep during the Man of the Hill's story and subsequent discourse. ### [Book IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-ix) Accompanies Tom and contributes to the chapter's events. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as being directed by the Man of the Hill to follow Jones's path. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Accompanies Jones, fights with the landlady and chambermaid Susan, and is rescued by Jones. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Washes his bloody nose at the pump and later joins the reconciliation, becoming facetious. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Engages in kitchen conversation, boasts about Jones being Allworthy's heir, and argues with the sergeant. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Awakened by the commotion, he comes to the kitchen for protection and later invites the postboy to share wine. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Sits in the kitchen, asserts his gentility, speaks Latin, and identifies Tom Jones as Squire Allworthy's son and heir. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Tom's companion, who drunkenly reveals Tom's whereabouts and slanders Sophia and Honour. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Advises Jones to return home, proposes stealing horses, and finds Sophia's muff in Jones's room. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Testifies on Jones's behalf regarding the finding of the muff. ### [Book XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-xii) Accompanies Tom and provides comic relief. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Accompanies Jones, tries to persuade him to return home, expresses fear of battle and death. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Rebukes the beggar for asking alms, revealing his lack of charity, but later becomes energized by the prospect of the £100 bill. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Fears the rebels but is relieved to discover a puppet-show; he is eager for food and enjoys the performance. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Partridge, having just awaked from a nap, urges Jones to stay, arguing that traveling at night is unwise and that they lack direction. He later joins the company in the kitchen. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Partridge magnifies Jones's fortune and suggests he is mad, but fears his strength. He reveals Jacobite sympathies. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Accompanies Jones, prophesies success, recognizes the boy who rode before Sophia, and openly discusses Sophia's adventures. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix) Reluctant to leave the warm chimney-corner, but compensates by cunningly throwing in half-a-crown to secure the boy's services; rides the boy's horse and is in high spirits, now understanding Jones's amour with Sophia. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/x) Informs Tom that his horses are ready, prompting Tom's departure. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xi) Superstitious and fearful; blames an old woman he believes is a witch for their misfortunes and falls from his horse. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xii) Partridge is terrified, believing the lights and sounds to be supernatural, and reluctantly follows Tom. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xiii) Argues for borrowing from the found pocketbook, citing need and fortune. Quarrels with Jones over grammar but reconciles after Jones apologizes. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xiv) Flees in terror during the robbery, then urges Jones to kill the highwayman; later argues for harsh punishment of thieves. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Accompanies Jones to London, procures lodgings, and advises him. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Sent by Jones to secure lodgings at the widow's house; lodged in the fourth floor. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Brings news of Mrs. Fitzpatrick's departure; urges Tom to return to Allworthy; lends Tom a shilling. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Receives the £50 banknote from Jones with suspicion, thinking it might be stolen due to Jones's masquerade and late return. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix) Employed by Jones to get acquainted with Lady Bellaston's servants and learn Sophia's whereabouts. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Announces Mrs. Honour's arrival, interrupting Jones and Lady Bellaston. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Explains how Mrs. Miller learned of Allworthy, deflecting blame. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Sent by Jones to find a new lodging after Mrs. Miller's warning. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Implied as a possible source of information about Jones's connection to Allworthy. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Makes crude jokes about Nancy's condition, which Jones rebukes. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xii) Returns with news of finding Black George and learning that Blifil is coming to marry Sophia; inadvertently betrays Tom's secret to Black George. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Accompanies Jones to the play and provides humorous, unsophisticated commentary on Hamlet. ### [Book XVI, Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/x) Visits Tom Jones in prison, terrified by the news of Fitzpatrick's death, and delivers Sophia's letter. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Brings news that Fitzpatrick is still alive but with little hope; remains faithful to Jones. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Stumbles in with horror to inform Jones that Mrs. Waters is his mother, then searches for her. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Arrives with news of Jones and his mother's incest, and is questioned by Allworthy. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Partridge defends himself against Allworthy's accusations, narrates his misfortunes, and swears he is not Tom's father. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xi) Ecstatic over Tom's good fortune, recalls omens and dreams, and is assured of future reward. ### [Chapter the Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/chapter-the-last) Receives a £50 annuity from Tom, resumes teaching, and is engaged to Molly Seagrim. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/mr_partridge - 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