# Squire Western — The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling character guide > Squire Western in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Western, Western, sister Western, Squire Western, Squire **First appearance:** 0001-the-history-of-tom-jones-a-foundling ## Snapshot A fox-hunting, holloaing country squire who loves his daughter fiercely, his sport fanatically, and his own temper not at all wisely. ## Who they are Western's world runs on horses, hounds, and the conviction that a daughter's marriage is a father's business. When he finds Jones holding Sophia's muff, he bellows like a man who has sighted game and hauls Jones off as though he were a fox. His genuine tenderness for Sophia is constantly undone by his inability to imagine she might have a mind of her own, and that contradiction drives much of the novel's comedy and cruelty. ## In the story ### [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) Favors Tom Jones for his sporting skills; holds guns, dogs, and horses as his most prized possessions. ### [A short hint of what we can do in the sublime, and a description of Miss Sophia Western.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as Sophia's father. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Fonder of Sophia than any other creature, he chides her for crying over a bird but threatens to punish Blifil if he were his son. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Interrupts the philosophical debate, toasts Tom's health, and expresses his preference for practical talk over learned disputes. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Drunk every afternoon; loves light music; grants Black George's deputation after Sophia's request. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Attends church at this parish; father of Sophia. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/x) Hosts the dinner, deduces Tom is the father of Molly's bastard, and makes coarse jokes about bastards, upsetting Sophia. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xiii) Overjoyed that Sophia is unhurt; dismisses Tom's broken arm with a coarse remark. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xiv) Insists on Sophia being bled and compels Jones to accept a bed at his house. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Frequently visits, offers beer and horses, and serenades Tom with hunting horns. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Tom believes Western's strong affection for his daughter and his desire for a wealthy match will prevent any union with Sophia. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Interrupts the conversation, summons Tom to the harpsichord, and throws the muff into the fire. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Remains oblivious to Tom's love symptoms, in contrast to Sophia's keen perception. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xi) Happens upon the fight, espouses the cause of the weaker party (Jones), and helps secure victory over Thwackum and Blifil. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xii) Fond father who complies with Sophia's request to return home; praises Tom as Sophia's preserver and invites him home, excepting his foxhounds and mare from offers. ### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-vi) Squire Western becomes increasingly angry and forceful in his attempts to compel Sophia to marry Blifil, revealing his volatile temper and obsession with social advancement. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Politically minded but unobservant; rejoices at the idea of Sophia marrying Blifil to unite estates. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Impatiently proposes the match between Sophia and Blifil to Allworthy, insisting on parental authority. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Arranges the courtship without consulting Sophia, enlists his sister. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Squire Western is mentioned as having been informed by Mrs. Western of Sophia's supposed passion for Mr. Blifil, and he has already proposed the match to Allworthy. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Referenced as the father forcing Sophia into an unwanted marriage. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Enraged by Sophia's refusal, he threatens to disinherit her and storms out after a violent outburst. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Mentioned as having struck Sophia and sent Jones to advocate for Blifil. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix) Enraged upon learning of Sophia's attachment to Jones; threatens violence and resolves to inform Allworthy. ### [In which Mr. Western visits Mr. Allworthy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/x) Visits Allworthy in a rage, accusing Tom of seducing Sophia and vowing to lock her up and force her to marry Blifil. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xi) Mentioned as having possibly discovered the affair between Tom and Sophia, contributing to Tom's grief. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xiii) Locks Sophia in her room and forbids her writing materials, having revealed Tom's advances to Allworthy. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xiv) Defends his decision to lock up Sophia and engages in a heated political argument with his sister. ### [Book VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-vii) His volatile nature drives conflict in the narrative. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Squire Western angrily insists Sophia will marry Blifil, quarrels with his sister over politics and her influence on Sophia, and hollers after her as she departs. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Described as a man who treated his wife as an upper-servant, rarely swore at her but never showed affection, and now vents his spleen by abusing her memory, especially before Sophia. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Angry with his sister and daughter, but is persuaded to seek reconciliation after Sophia hints at Mrs. Western's potential inheritance. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Impetuously pushes for immediate marriage, using hunting metaphors and ignoring Sophia's feelings. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Mentioned as having arranged the marriage and being overheard speaking with Parson Supple about obtaining a license. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Sophia's father, whom Honour considers betraying Sophia to for a reward. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix) Acts as a magistrate, initially furious at Honour but persuaded by his clerk to avoid legal overreach; later treats Sophia with violent demands followed by fond embraces and gifts upon her feigned compliance. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Arrives at the inn in a rage, searching for his daughter Sophia; accuses Jones of theft and demands a justice of the peace. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Western is enraged and distressed upon discovering Sophia's disappearance, blaming himself and then his sister. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix) Sophia's father who pursues her after her escape, tracking her through postboys and inns. ### [Book XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-xi) Squire Western arrives in London, determined to force Sophia into a marriage with Blifil. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned indirectly as Sophia's father, from whom she fled. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Squire Western is not physically present but is the object of Sophia's fear; she believes the landlord's remarks indicate that her father is pursuing her. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Pursues his daughter Sophia but is easily distracted by a hunt, forgetting her entirely. He drinks heavily and is persuaded to return home. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Departed from Upton just before Jones and Partridge leave. ### [Book XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-xiv) Squire Western's stubbornness and traditional views continue to create obstacles for Sophia. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as Sophia's father, a country booby squire with a £3,000 a year estate. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/v) Bursts into the room, berates Sophia, quarrels with Lord Fellamar, and forcibly removes his daughter. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Discovers his daughter's whereabouts and prepares to retrieve her, initially agreeing to his sister's plan but later altering course. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Mentioned as having taken Sophia away and sworn she shall marry Blifil. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Locks Sophia in her room, vehemently insists she marry Blifil, rejects Lord Fellamar's proposal, and gets into a physical fight with the gentleman. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Keeps Sophia locked up, dotes on her, and later argues with his sister. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv) Locks up Sophia and argues with Mrs. Western, but ultimately yields to her authority. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi) Discovers Sophia's flight and sends for Blifil, determined to force the marriage. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii) Brings Blifil to court Sophia; argues with his sister over propriety and insists on an immediate match. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix) Mentioned as having arrived in town and having received Mrs. Fitzpatrick with rudeness. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii) Furious and determined to force Sophia to marry Blifil, he sings and capers upon hearing news of Tom Jones's supposed murder. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ii) Reported to be in good humor with Sophia, having kissed her and sworn to never confine her again. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii) Bursts in angrily, having discovered Sophia's correspondence with Tom, and announces he has confined her. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix) Initially angry at Sophia's defiance, but upon learning Jones is Allworthy's heir, becomes eager for the match; suspects Sophia's attachment to a lord. ### [Wherein the history begins to draw towards a conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/x) Eager to reunite Tom with Sophia, insists on forgiveness and a visit. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/xii) Boasts of using fatherly authority to bring Sophia to consent, makes crude jokes about the marriage night, and insists on Allworthy staying for supper. He eventually agrees to go with Allworthy and Sophia to the engagement. ### [Chapter the Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/chapter-the-last) Resigns his estate to Tom and Sophia, retires to a hunting house, and becomes a doting grandfather. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/squire_western - 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