Tom Jones

Sophia Western

Sophia and Tom are deeply in love, facing numerous obstacles and misunderstandings before ultimately reuniting.

Squire Allworthy

Squire Allworthy is Tom's benevolent guardian and uncle figure, raising him with kindness despite later disappointments.

Mrs. Honour

Mrs. Honour is friendly and helpful toward Tom, often assisting his romantic pursuits of Sophia.

Mr. Partridge

Partridge is Tom's loyal and comic companion, serving as his tutor and later his traveling partner.

Sir George Gresham

Sir George Gresham is a rival for Sophia's affection and often opposes Tom's interests.

Lady Bellaston

Lady Bellaston manipulates Tom with her sexual advances and social power, creating a toxic entanglement.

Molly Seagrim

Molly Seagrim has a brief, passionate affair with Tom, which causes complications with Sophia.

Master Blifil

Master Blifil is Tom's jealous and deceitful half-brother, constantly scheming against him.

Mrs. Miller

Mrs. Miller is a kind landlady who becomes a maternal friend and supporter of Tom in London.

Sophia Western

Sophia and Tom are deeply in love, facing numerous obstacles and misunderstandings before ultimately reuniting.

Sophia Western

Sophia and Tom are deeply in love, facing numerous obstacles and misunderstandings before ultimately reuniting.

Sir George Gresham

Sir George Gresham is a rival for Sophia's affection and often opposes Tom's interests.

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

The foundling protagonist, introduced as an infant discovered in Squire Allworthy's bed.

Book I

The foundling infant discovered in Allworthy's bed.

Chapter II

The foundling, now named Thomas by Allworthy, continues to be cared for and visited daily by the squire.

V

The little foundling, referred to as little Tommy, who is the object of Captain Blifil's jealousy and Mrs. Wilkins' shifting loyalties.

VII

The foundling Tommy is increasingly favored by Allworthy, which angers Captain Blifil.

Book III

Tommy Jones, now aged fourteen to nineteen, is a central figure in the family's transactions.

Chapter II

Endures whipping rather than betray the gamekeeper; feels deep guilt over Mr. Allworthy's kindness.

Chapter IV

Defends himself after striking Blifil, confesses to lying about Black George's presence, and pleads for mercy for the gamekeeper.

V

Portrayed as a thoughtless, giddy youth who lacks outward respect for his tutors but shows invincible fidelity by protecting Black George, earning public admiration.

VI

Becomes the object of Mrs. Blifil's affection, inciting hatred from Square.

VII

Though innocent, he begins to sink in Mr. Allworthy's affections as he rises in Mrs. Blifil's preference; his own wantonness and want of caution later contribute to his misfortunes.

Chapter VIII

Sells his horse to help Black George's starving family; shows good-natured disposition and compassion.

IX

Sells a Bible given by Mr. Allworthy to aid Black George's family; pleads for George's forgiveness.

In which Master Blifil and Jones appear in different lights

Uses his friendship with Squire Western to try to help Black George; shows mercy and loyalty.

Book IV

Tom continues to be a central figure, his actions and relationships evolving over the course of the year.

Chapter III

Applies to Sophia for help on behalf of Black George. In the flashback, he rescues Sophia's bird, falls into a canal, and is scolded by Thwackum.

IV

His action of freeing Sophia's bird is discussed; he is praised by Squire Western for his generous spirit.

V

Requests Sophia's help for Black George; kisses her hand; promises to be cautious in hunting.

VI

Tom is guided by a strong moral principle that prevents him from robbing Mr. Western of his fortune and daughter, and from abandoning Molly Seagrim. His heart is possessed by another woman, Molly.

VII

Previously conquered Molly's heart and gave her ornaments.

Chapter VIII

Intervenes to stop the fight, horsewhips Goody Brown, and escorts Molly home.

Chapter X

Mentioned as the suspected father of Molly's child; he leaves dinner abruptly after hearing the story.

Chapter XI

Confesses to fathering Molly Seagrim's child and pleads for her release; later becomes the target of Square's insinuations.

Chapter XII

Allegedly the father of Molly's child; Sophia's secret affection for him is challenged by this news.

Chapter XIII

Breaks his arm while saving Sophia from her horse; displays gallantry and selflessness.

Chapter XIV

Has his broken arm set by the surgeon and is ordered to bed at Mr. Western's house.

Book V

Tom's affair with Molly is revealed, and he shows generosity and impulsiveness, leading to conflicts with Blifil and Thwackum.

Chapter II

Confined with a broken arm, visited by many, and begins to realize Sophia's affection.

Chapter III

Torn between his duty to Molly and his growing affection for Sophia, he spends a sleepless night resolving to stay with Molly.

IV

Receives Mrs. Honour's visit and is deeply moved by the muff incident.

V

Visits Molly to end their affair and offer her financial compensation, but discovers Square hiding in her room.

VI

Discovers Molly's infidelity with Will Barnes, feels relief and compassion; his love for Sophia becomes an obsessive, tormented passion, causing visible agitation and a conflict between honor and desire.

Chapter VII

Summoned from Mr. Western's house, he rushes to Allworthy's bedside, expresses deep gratitude for the bequest, and calls Allworthy 'my father.'

Chapter IX

Becomes drunk with joy over Allworthy's recovery, sings amorous songs, and quarrels with Blifil. Later restrains his anger for Allworthy's sake.

Chapter X

Our hero, walking in a grove and meditating on Sophia, succumbs to temptation with Molly Seagrim after drinking.

Chapter XI

Our hero, who fiercely protects the identity of the woman with him and fights Thwackum and Blifil despite his weakened arm.

Chapter XII

The conqueror in the fray, covered in blood; revives Sophia by carrying her to a brook and sprinkling her with water; receives Western's praise and a tender look from Sophia.

Book VI

Tom is banished from Allworthy's house and begins his journey away from the estate, facing the consequences of his actions and the machinations of Blifil.

Chapter II

Present at the evening gathering; elevated by Allworthy's recovery and Sophia's presence.

V

Tom Jones is the true object of Sophia's affection, though she has kept it secret. Mrs. Western is horrified that Sophia would consider a 'bastard' and forbids the match.

VI

Mentioned as having been seen walking sadly by the canal; Sophia attempts to meet him.

Chapter VII

Encountering Western in the hall, he learns of the forced match and offers to speak with Sophia on Western's behalf.

VIII

Finds Sophia, expresses his love and despair, and reveals that Squire Western sent him to plead for Blifil.

IX

Caught in a tender interview with Sophia; restrains himself from retaliating against Squire Western out of respect for Sophia.

In which Mr. Western visits Mr. Allworthy

Accused by Western of seducing Sophia and by Blifil of debauchery and assault; his fate hangs in the balance.

XI

Attends dinner with a heavy heart, unable to eat; confesses to his follies, is overwhelmed by Allworthy's accusations, and departs in tears after kissing Allworthy's hands.

Chapter XII

Writes a farewell letter to Sophia, resolves to leave her, and later receives her letter.

Chapter XIII

Mentioned as having written a farewell letter to Sophia and been turned out by Allworthy.

Book VII

Central figure in the unfolding events of these three days.

II

Receives Blifil's letter, experiences contending passions, resolves to leave for Bristol to go to sea.

V

Referenced through the letter Sophia received from him, which she reads and bathes with tears.

Chapter IX

Mentioned as the object of Sophia's thoughts, which dispel her inclination to obey her father's marriage plans.

X

Lost on his way to Bristol, deeply affected by the Quaker's story, and treated poorly by the landlord after his low birth is revealed.

XI

Pays the soldiers' reckoning, volunteers to serve against the rebels, and impresses the lieutenant with his genteel appearance.

XII

Struck by a bottle thrown by Ensign Northerton after defending Sophia Western's honor; revived with brandy and attended by a surgeon.

XIII

Wounded in the head, discusses honor and Christianity with the lieutenant.

XIV

Resolved to fight his enemy, he buys a sword and ventures out at midnight despite his injuries.

XV

Lies awake, rings bell to learn of the night's events, and pleads for the sentinel's innocence.

Book VIII

Continues his journey after banishment, meeting Partridge and rescuing Mrs. Waters.

II

Lies awake thinking of Sophia; receives the landlady's visit; speaks passionately of Sophia and Allworthy; reveals his low birth and banishment.

III

Refuses to be bled by the surgeon, insists on only having his wound dressed, and later refuses to pay when the surgeon abandons him.

IV

Awakens refreshed, orders dinner, and engages with the barber Little Benjamin.

V

Jones confides in the barber, recounting his history and his love for Sophia Western, and requests secrecy.

VI

Tom is recovering from a wound and is surprised to learn his barber is Partridge. He is cautious about accepting Partridge's offer to join him but eventually agrees.

VII

Jones trusts Partridge's motives and spends the day with the landlord; he pays the inflated bill and departs with Partridge.

Chapter VIII

Arrives at the Bell in Gloucester; dines with Mrs. Whitefield and two lawyers; leaves after being slandered by the pettifogger and treated coldly by the landlady.

IX

Expresses romantic longing for Sophia Western, quoting Milton and the Spectator; determined to pursue a glorious death in service of his king and country.

In which our travellers meet with a very extraordinary adventure

Curious and adventurous, Jones insists on climbing the hill for the view and later persuades the old woman to let them in with a bribe. He is intrigued by the Man of the Hill and his collection of rarities.

In which the Man of the Hill begins to relate his history

Listens sympathetically to the Man of the Hill's story, expressing pity and relief at having escaped similar ruin.

XII

Present as a listener, stopping Partridge from interrupting the Man of the Hill's story.

XIII

Present and listening; smiles at a conceit during the narrative.

XIV

Listener to the Man of the Hill's story; engages in political discussion.

XV

Engages in a philosophical debate with the Man of the Hill, defending human nature and arguing against misanthropy.

Book IX

Central figure in the twelve-hour span, actively involved in events.

II

Heroically rescues a woman from assault, subdues Ensign Northerton, and escorts her to Upton.

Chapter III

Arrives at the inn with a lady, demands clothes for her, and engages in a physical altercation with the landlord and landlady.

IV

Generously forgives the landlord and mediates peace between the landlady and Mrs. Waters.

V

Our hero, described as handsome, good-natured, and with a masculine person; he eats heartily after a long fast and eventually succumbs to Mrs. Waters' charms.

VI

Present with Mrs. Waters; sighs heavily when the landlady mentions a young lady possibly running away, revealing his feelings.

VII

The rescuer who arrived just in time to save Mrs. Waters from Northerton's attack.

Chapter II

Found in Mrs. Waters's bedchamber, he confronts the intruding Irish gentleman and later claims he came to her aid.

V

Mentioned as being in the inn and in bed with another woman, though not directly present in the scene.

VI

Returns to his bed, rebukes Partridge for proposing theft, discovers Sophia's muff, and frantically prepares to pursue her.

VII

Found holding Sophia's muff, cleared of theft by Susan's testimony, and resumes his pursuit of Sophia.

IX

Mentioned as the object of Sophia's love; the landlady reports his passionate declarations about Sophia.

Book XI

Tom is in London, unaware of Sophia's presence and entangled in complications with Lady Bellaston and others.

Book XII

Continues his journey and encounters further trials.

III

Leaves Upton with Partridge, expresses despair over Sophia, resolves to join the army.

IV

Shows generosity and charity by giving a shilling to the beggar and a guinea for the pocketbook, and is overjoyed to find Sophia's name.

V

Continues his pursuit of Sophia, stopping at an inn and attending a puppet-show; he defends the value of low humor like Punch against the showman's moralizing.

VI

Jones calls for his reckoning and intends to leave, but is persuaded by Partridge and the landlord to stay the night. He retires to rest with his pocketbook and muff.

VII

Discussed by the company as possibly mad due to his behavior and talk about puppet-shows; defended by the landlady as a sweet young man crossed in love.

Chapter VIII

Awakened by noise, intervenes in a fight, learns of Sophia's whereabouts, and sets off in pursuit.

IX

Returns to the kitchen in a hurry, negotiates with the boy for horses, rides Sophia's sidesaddle, and meets Mr. Dowling at the inn.

Chapter X

Relates his history to Dowling, defends his innocence, and condemns Blifil's baseness.

XI

Leads the party but loses his way; dismisses Partridge's superstitious fears with a smile.

XII

Tom leads the group to the barn, shows respect to the gypsy king, and intervenes in the domestic dispute.

XIII

Debates with Partridge about the ethics of using Sophia's pocketbook, insisting on returning it to her. Travels post to Coventry and then toward London, stopping at inns.

XIV

Disarms the highwayman, shows compassion by giving him money and advice, and debates the morality of robbery with Partridge.

Book XIII

Central figure in the unfolding events of this twelve-day period.

Chapter II

Arrives in London, searches for Sophia, visits Mrs. Fitzpatrick, and is denied access to Sophia.

A project of Mrs. Fitzpatrick, and her visit to Lady Bellaston

Discussed as the man Mrs. Fitzpatrick and Lady Bellaston seek to keep away from Sophia.

Chapter IV

Visits Mrs. Fitzpatrick to inquire about Sophia and deliver her pocketbook.

V

Returns disconsolate to his lodgings after failing to find Mrs. Fitzpatrick; intervenes to rescue Mr. Nightingale from his footman, displaying his strength and agility.

VI

Disconsolate after learning Mrs. Fitzpatrick has left; receives a mysterious masquerade ticket; borrows money from Partridge to attend the masquerade.

VII

Attends the masquerade seeking Sophia; converses with Lady Bellaston and agrees to meet her again.

Chapter VIII

Gives Partridge a £50 banknote to change; secretly gives Mrs. Miller £50 to aid the Anderson family, though she accepts only ten guineas.

IX

Grows impatient to see Sophia; employs Partridge to discover her whereabouts; struggles with his sense of honor and obligation to Lady Bellaston.

A Chapter Which, Though Short, May Draw Tears from Some Eyes

Exults in the happiness he has brought to the Anderson family; insists on keeping the robbery secret; expresses the joy of benevolence.

XI

Arrives early at Lady Bellaston's, is shocked to find Sophia, professes his love and defends his past actions, then feigns ignorance of Lady Bellaston.

XII

Tom is the gentleman who returned Sophia's note; though not present during the conversation, he is the subject of the ladies' discussion.

Book XIV

Tom continues his romantic pursuits and confronts the consequences of his actions.

Chapter II

Receives letters from Lady Bellaston, hides her from Mrs. Honour, and refuses to show Sophia's letter.

Chapter III

Receives letters from Sophia and Lady Bellaston, feigns illness, and decides to move lodgings after Mrs. Miller's confrontation.

Chapter IV

Reproaches Nightingale for his treatment of Nancy, asserting his own moral stance against causing misery.

Chapter V

Dines with Mrs. Miller, shares his personal history, and waits for Lady Bellaston's visit.

VI

Shows compassion for Nancy's plight and resolves to intervene with Nightingale.

Chapter VII

Acts as moral advocate, persuading Nightingale to marry Nancy and offering to intercede with Nightingale's father.

Chapter VIII

Acts as an intermediary for young Nightingale, passionately defending the marriage to Nancy Miller and attempting to persuade the father.

IX

Returns to his lodgings and is hailed by Mrs. Miller as her 'good angel' for his role in the affair between Nightingale and Nancy.

A short chapter, which concludes the book

Observes the altered behavior of the uncle and nephew, suspects the truth, and is then called away to receive dire news about Sophia.

Book XV

Tom continues his involvement in the London events.

I

Mentioned as acting virtuously by laboring to preserve his fellow-creatures from destruction, yet facing misery in the ruin of his Sophia.

II

Referred to as Sophia's rival lover, described by Lady Bellaston as a beggar, bastard, and foundling.

A further explanation of the foregoing design

Mentioned as the supposed victim of a duel, though the story is a fabrication.

Chapter VII

Distraught upon hearing of Sophia's removal, but relieved it is not worse; he hides Honour from Lady Bellaston and later reconciles with her.

Chapter VIII

Receives Mrs. Miller's remonstrances with gratitude, then acts as a father to Miss Nancy by giving her away in marriage to Mr. Nightingale.

Containing love-letters of several sorts

Struggles with his entanglement with Lady Bellaston and his love for Sophia; reluctantly follows Nightingale's scheme to break free.

Chapter X

Selflessly offers to vacate his lodging to accommodate Mr. Allworthy; inwardly pines for Sophia and is distressed by Blifil's impending arrival and Mrs. Honour's defection.

XI

Receives and rejects a marriage proposal from Mrs. Hunt, remaining faithful to Sophia.

Chapter XII

Angry at Partridge for revealing his secret about Sophia and Lady Bellaston, but eventually pacified; decides to write a letter to Sophia.

Book XVI

Tom continues to be at the center of the unfolding drama, facing challenges to his reputation and his relationship with Sophia.

Chapter III

His letter to Sophia is delivered inside the fowl, expressing his love and anguish.

V

Receives Sophia's letter and attends the play with Mrs. Miller and Partridge.

Chapter VIII

Target of Lady Bellaston's plot to have him pressed into naval service to prevent his relationship with Sophia.

IX

Visits Mrs. Fitzpatrick, rejects her scheme to deceive Mrs. Western, and remains devoted to Sophia.

Book XVI, Chapter X

Involved in a duel with Mr. Fitzpatrick, wounds him, and is arrested and imprisoned in the Gatehouse.

Book XVII

Tom is in London, facing the consequences of his past actions and striving to prove his worth to Sophia and others.

I

The hero is in deep distress, friendless and persecuted, with his fate uncertain.

Chapter II

Defended by Mrs. Miller; accused by Blifil of killing a man.

IV

Mentioned as the 'vile fellow Jones' whom Sophia is accused of hankering after.

V

In prison, expresses deep grief over losing Sophia and resolves to reform his life.

VI

Tom is the author of the letter delivered by Mrs. Miller, in which he confesses his unworthiness and protests his fidelity to Sophia.

Chapter IX

Imprisoned at the Gatehouse, he is visited by Mrs. Waters and learns Fitzpatrick will survive; he expresses deep contrition for his past follies.

Book XVIII

The protagonist, whose true parentage is revealed, leading to his restoration in Allworthy's favor and marriage to Sophia.

II

Tormented by the revelation that Mrs. Waters is his mother, he falls into frantic grief and despair.

IV

Referenced in both letters as the subject of Square's confession and Thwackum's condemnation.

VII

Discussed as the innocent victim of mistaken identity and unjust punishment.

IX

Revealed as Allworthy's nephew and proposed as a suitor to Sophia; his character is defended by Allworthy.

Wherein the history begins to draw towards a conclusion

Expresses joy at reconciliation, remorse for past follies, and despair over losing Sophia.

XI

Shows compassion toward Blifil, pleads for mercy for Black George, and is embraced by Allworthy.

Chapter XII

Dressed finely, he accompanies Allworthy to Western's house. He is pale and anxious when Western makes crude remarks, and later pleads with Sophia for forgiveness, insisting on his sincere repentance and constancy.

Chapter the Last

Marries Sophia, is reconciled with Allworthy, and becomes a happy and prudent husband and father.