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The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. · Character

Old Tom

An elderly resident of Little Britain.

minor

Also known as Tom, the Old

First appearance: little britain

Old Tom's tie to Geoffrey Crayon is one of the pressures that moves The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Old Tom first appears in 0028 little britain.

With Geoffrey Crayon (friendship): Geoffrey shares many convivial moments and stories with Old Tom, a fellow traveler and companion in the sketchbook's narratives. With John Bull (friendship): John Bull and Old Tom are depicted as companionable, traditional English characters sharing a rustic camaraderie. With Dame Van Winkle (social): Dame Van Winkle and Old Tom are likely acquaintances in the village, with Tom being one of Rip's idle companions she scolds.

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Character Web

48 connections

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

GCGeoffrey CrayonJBJohn BullDVDame Van WinkleMBMr. BracebridgeICIchabod CraneOTOld Tom

Relationship types

  • Friendship
  • Social
  • Other

Character groups

  • Literary and folk characters
  • Protagonist
  • Historical and allegorical figures
  • Hosts and the legendary sleeper

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

In this chapter, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Irving presents Philip as a tragic, stoic he…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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

See Old Tom in little britain
See Old Tom in little britain
Who is Old Tom in The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.?