The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane · Character

Thomas Broad

A prosperous Dissenting minister whose broad, fat hand and easy-chair piety conceal a worldly prudence and a quiet, unaccountable hatred for the Allens.

major

Also known as Mr. Broad, Tommy Broad, Tom, Mr. Thomas Broad, Mr. Thomas, Broad, Tom Broad

First appearance: the revolution in tanner s lane

As a major figure in The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane, Thomas Broad is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The eighteen-year-old son of the Broads, a sheltered and awkward young man showing an alarming interest in young women, particularly Fanny Allen.

In the storyXVII: When Wilt Thou Arise Out of Thy Sleep? Yet a Little SleepOpen this moment free

Mr. Broad presides over Tanner's Lane as its eminently orthodox minister, his family the model of respectable Dissent, his Monday picnics at Shott Woods a fixed institution. Yet his somnolent virtue hides a bitter, concealed animosity toward the Allens that even he cannot fully explain, and his son Thomas carries that inherited suspicion into London. Broad matters because the story's early world is measured by his approval — and quietly poisoned by his resentments.

See Thomas Broad in XVII: When Wilt Thou Arise Out of Thy Sleep? Yet a Little Sleep Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

21 connections

A slice of how Thomas Broad sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Rivalry
Romantic
Friendship

Character groups

Revolutionary Core & Family
Protagonist
Community & Religious Factions

+16 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

The "Endnotes" chapter serves as the story's dramatic climax because it presents a direct, intertextual call t…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

George Allen
rivalry · negative
George Allen and Thomas Broad are political and personal antagonists, clashing over… How this plays out →
Pauline
romantic · ambivalent
Fanny Allen
romantic · ambivalent
Brother Allen
rivalry · negative
Old Bushel
friendship · positive
Priscilla Broad
family · ambivalent
Mr. Coleman
family · negative
George Allen
rivalry · negative
George Allen and Thomas Broad are political and personal antagonists, clashing over… How this plays out →
Fanny Allen
romantic · ambivalent
Pauline
romantic · ambivalent
George Allen
rivalry · negative
George Allen and Thomas Broad are political and personal antagonists, clashing over… How this plays out →
Brother Allen
rivalry · negative

George Allen
George Allen and Thomas Broad are political and personal antagonists, clashing over religious and social ideals.
Pauline
Pauline and Thomas Broad share a deep romantic connection, marked by passion and conflict.
Fanny Allen
Fanny Allen is infatuated with Thomas Broad, creating a one-sided romantic tension.
Brother Allen
Brother Allen and Thomas Broad are religious and political adversaries, representing different factions.
Old Bushel
Old Bushel is a loyal friend and supporter of Thomas Broad, often providing counsel.
Priscilla Broad
Priscilla Broad is Thomas Broad's mother, and their relationship is caring but strained by his radicalism.
Mr. Coleman
Mr. Coleman is Thomas Broad's father, and their relationship is distant and disapproving.
George Allen
George Allen and Thomas Broad are political and personal antagonists, clashing over religious and social ideals.
Fanny Allen
Fanny Allen is infatuated with Thomas Broad, creating a one-sided romantic tension.
Pauline
Pauline and Thomas Broad share a deep romantic connection, marked by passion and conflict.
George Allen
George Allen and Thomas Broad are political and personal antagonists, clashing over religious and social ideals.
Brother Allen
Brother Allen and Thomas Broad are religious and political adversaries, representing different factions.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Thomas Broad in the revolution in tanner s lane

In the story

Thomas Broad appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XVII: When Wilt Thou Arise Out of Thy Sleep? Yet a Little Sleep
The eighteen-year-old son of the Broads, a sheltered and awkward young man showing an alarming interest in young women, particularly Fanny Allen.
A Religious Picnic
Thomas is the minister's son and a student for the ministry. He shows interest in Fanny Allen, leading her into a secluded shortcut during the picnic.
A Religious Picnic
Mr. Broad is the pastor who leads the picnic, says grace, and enjoys the meal heartily. He is a figure of authority and tradition.
XIX: “The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like Unto Leaven”
Junior, enters Dissenting College in London, warned by parents not to visit Zachariah.
The Reverend Thomas Broad’s Exposition of Romans 8:7
Visits the Coleman household after preaching his first sermon; makes unwanted advances toward Pauline.
XXI: The Wisdom of the Serpent
Mr. Broad weighs practical considerations and persuades his wife to allow the match.
XXIV: “I Came Not to Send Peace, but a Sword”
Seen by George in the street; his presence is explained by a letter from his father about his preaching success.
XXV: “And a Man’s Foes Shall Be They of His Own Household”
Refuses George entry to his house; writes to his father about the Allens' movements and about Zachariah's daughter.
Mr. Broad's Last Church Meeting—Latimer Chapel
Present at the meeting in full ministerial costume; later involved in a scandal about climbing the College palings, which he admits to, though the scar on his hand had another origin.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Thomas Broad unlock in the free preview.

See Thomas Broad in the revolution in tanner s lane

See Thomas Broad in XVII: When Wilt Thou Arise Out of Thy Sleep? Yet a Little Sleep