The Humbugs of the World · Character
Tom Simmons
An alderman of such credulous appetite that a petrified man, a painted giant, or any well-told lie could empty his pockets and fill the town's gossip.
supporting
Also known as Alderman, Alderman Tom Simmons
First appearance: iv
As a supporting figure in The Humbugs of the World, Tom Simmons is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
A drunken and profane fellow who became an alderman through political bargaining, profited from imprisoning debtors, and raged against a new law limiting imprisonment for debt.
Tom Simmons first appears in 0008 iv.
With Sir John Herschel (professional): Sir John Herschel and Tom Simmons are involved in a professional capacity, possibly as employer and assistant or fellow researchers. With Sir John Herschel (professional): Sir John Herschel and Tom Simmons are involved in a professional capacity, possibly as employer and assistant or fellow researchers.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
4 connectionsA slice of how Tom Simmons sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Miscellaneous Humbugs and Dupes
- Moon Hoax and Barnum Dupes
Explore ties, sentiment, and clusters while you read
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter serves as the dramatic climax because it shifts from exposing specific humbugs to delivering a un…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Sir John Herschel
professional · positive
Sir John Herschel and Tom Simmons are involved in a professional capacity, possibly as… How this plays out →
- Sir John Herschel
professional · positive
Sir John Herschel and Tom Simmons are involved in a professional capacity, possibly as… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Tom Simmons in ivIn the story
Tom Simmons appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Tom Simmons unlock in the free preview.
See Tom Simmons in iv