# Tommy Stubbins — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle character guide > Tommy Stubbins in The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Tom, Stubbins, Thomas Stubbins **First appearance:** 0003-part-i-i-the-cobbler-s-son ## Snapshot The cobbler's son of Puddleby, nine and a half years old, who talks his way into becoming Doctor Dolittle's assistant and narrator of the voyages. ## Who they are Tommy grows up watching sails leave Kingsbridge and dreaming of Africa, India, China and Peru, so when he finally meets the Doctor he seizes the chance to escape a small-town future. His hunger for adventure is matched by a beginner's awe, which makes him both eager and occasionally out of his depth among talking animals. As the Doctor's pupil he learns animal language and notebook-keeping, and it is through his eyes that the reader boards every ship. ## Relationships ### [Doctor Dolittle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/doctor_dolittle) _friendship_ Tommy Stubbins is Doctor Dolittle's young apprentice and devoted friend, learning the ways of animal language and adventure. ### [Doctor Dolittle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/doctor_dolittle) _friendship_ Tommy Stubbins is Doctor Dolittle's young apprentice and devoted friend, learning the ways of animal language and adventure. ### [Doctor Dolittle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/doctor_dolittle) _friendship_ Tommy Stubbins is Doctor Dolittle's young apprentice and devoted friend, learning the ways of animal language and adventure. ## In the story ### [The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/the-voyages-of-doctor-dolittle) The young narrator and companion to the Doctor, joining the adventure. ### [Prologue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/prologue) The narrator, now an old man, recalling his adventures with the Doctor. ### [The Cobbler's Son](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-i-the-cobbler-s-son) The narrator and protagonist, a nine-and-a-half-year-old boy who dreams of sailing to foreign lands. ### [I Hear of the Great Naturalist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-ii-i-hear-of-the-great-naturalist) The narrator and protagonist, a young boy who rescues a squirrel and seeks out Doctor Dolittle after learning of his abilities. ### [The Doctor's Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-iii-the-doctor-s-home) Narrator and protagonist; delivers shoes, seeks help for his sick squirrel, and meets Doctor Dolittle. ### [The Wiff-Waff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-iv-the-wiff-waff) Visits the Doctor's home, changes into dry clothes, shares a meal, and asks for help with his injured squirrel. ### [Polynesia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-v-polynesia) Tommy expresses his desire to learn animal languages and is introduced to Polynesia. ### [The Wounded Squirrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-vi-the-wounded-squirrel) Leads the Doctor to his room to show the squirrel, observes the treatment, and reflects on the memorable evening. ### [VII: Shellfish Talk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-vii-shellfish-talk) Arrives early at the Doctor's house, eager to explore the private zoo, and joins the Doctor for breakfast. ### [Are You a Good Noticer?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-viii-are-you-a-good-noticer) Asks about learning animal language and expresses eagerness to help the Doctor. ### [The Garden of Dreams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-ix-the-garden-of-dreams) Visits the garden for the first time and is deeply impressed by its wonders. ### [The Private Zoo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-x-the-private-zoo) Visits the private zoo for the first time, asking questions about the animals and their living conditions. ### [My Schoolmaster, Polynesia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-xi-my-schoolmaster-polynesia) Tommy spends all his time at the Doctor's house, learning animal languages from Polynesia and helping with chores. He decides he wants to become a naturalist and live with the Doctor as his assistant. ### [My Great Idea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-xii-my-great-idea) Tommy proposes to become the Doctor's assistant and asks him to speak with his parents. ### [A Traveler Arrives](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-xii-a-traveler-arrives) Sitting on the garden wall with Dab-Dab, learning animal language and observing the arrival of Chee-Chee. ### [XV: I Become a Doctor's Assistant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-xv-i-become-a-doctor-s-assistant) Overjoyed at becoming the Doctor's assistant and the prospect of adventure. ### [The Crew of The Curlew](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-i-the-crew-of-the-curlew) Narrator and Doctor's assistant, now proud of his new position. ### [Luke the Hermit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-ii-luke-the-hermit) Accompanies the Doctor to the Hermit's shack, observes the strange circumstances and Jip's disappearance. ### [IV: Bob](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-iv-bob) Accompanies the Doctor to the jail and courtroom, observing the proceedings. ### [V: Mendoza](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-v-mendoza) Narrates the courtroom scene, observes the trial proceedings, and meets Mr. Percy Jenkyns. ### [VI: The Judge's Dog](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-vi-the-judge-s-dog) Proudly leads the dog Bob into the witness stand at the Doctor's signal. ### [Three Cheers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-viii-three-cheers) Observes the trial's end and the crowd's reaction, follows the Doctor's lead to avoid the mob. ### [Blind Travel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-xi-blind-travel) Tries to cheer the Doctor, eagerly participates in the Blind Travel game, and is astonished to learn the Doctor discovered the North Pole. ### [Destiny and Destination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-ii-xii-destiny-and-destination) Excitedly picks Spidermonkey Island with his pencil-point and eagerly plans the voyage with the Doctor. ### [The Third Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-i-the-third-man) Busy loading provisions onto the Curlew and proudly announces their destination to Matthew Mugg. ### [Goodbye!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-ii-goodbye) Narrates the departure, feels excited and proud to be part of the crew, takes on deck duties. ### [Our Troubles Begin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-iii-our-troubles-begin) Helps Bumpo bring Matthew Mugg up from the hold and observes the Doctor's actions. ### [Our Troubles Continue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-iv-our-troubles-continue) Takes his turn at the wheel, helps search the hold, and discovers Ben Butcher with Polynesia and Bumpo. ### [Polynesia Has a Plan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-v-polynesia-has-a-plan) Narrator and participant in the plan to trap Ben Butcher. ### [The Bed-Maker of Monteverde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-vi-the-bed-maker-of-monteverde) Narrates the chapter, enjoys fried bananas, and reflects on the differences between travel and home life. ### [The Doctor's Wager](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-vii-the-doctor-s-wager) Observes the bullfighter procession and learns about bullfighting from the Doctor; participates in Polynesia's scheme. ### [VIII: The Great Bullfight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-viii-the-great-bullfight) Narrates the chapter, helps the Doctor dress, and watches the bullfight from the stands with Bumpo and Polynesia. ### [We Depart in a Hurry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iii-ix-we-depart-in-a-hurry) Assists in buying provisions and loading the boat, and rows for the Curlew. ### [I: Shellfish Languages Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-i-shellfish-languages-again) Improves reading and writing, keeps the ship's log, and listens to the fidgit's speech. ### [The Fidgit's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-ii-the-fidgit-s-story) Records the fidgit's story as the Doctor translates, suffers from writer's cramp, and later takes the wheel after being scolded by Polynesia. ### [Bad Weather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-iii-bad-weather) Narrates the chapter, notices the change in wind, and is swept across the deck by a wave, hitting his head and fainting. ### [IV: Wrecked!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-iv-wrecked) Awakens alone on wreckage, cuts himself free, struggles with fear and loneliness, then is rescued by Miranda. ### [Land!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-v-land) Reunites with the Doctor and feels comforted by his presence; thrilled to set foot on Spidermonkey Island. ### [The Jabizri](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-vi-the-jabizri) Narrates the chapter, observes the Doctor's discovery, and asks questions about the letter. ### [Hawk's-Head Mountain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-iv-vii-hawk-s-head-mountain) Narrates the exhausting climb and the tedious beetle-following, feeling the strain of the slow pace. ### [A Great Moment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-i-a-great-moment) Narrates the chapter, helps dig and observes the historic meeting between the Doctor and Long Arrow. ### [The Men of the Moving Land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-ii-the-men-of-the-moving-land) Observes the Indians' behavior and the feast; hears Polynesia's whisper about the lack of fire. ### [Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-iii-fire) Assists by blowing on the smoking tinder and observes the Indians' ability to see in the dark, realizing that pitch-darkness is a myth. ### [What Makes an Island Float](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-iv-what-makes-an-island-float) Narrates the chapter, observes the Doctor's actions and the island's wildlife. ### [War!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-v-war) Borrows a bow and arrows to help defend the village. ### [General Polynesia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-vi-general-polynesia) Rushes to the Doctor's side during the battle and is swept down by the mob. ### [VII: The Peace of the Parrots](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-vii-the-peace-of-the-parrots) Narrates the journey to Bag-jagderag and the Doctor's speech, observing the crowd's reaction. ### [The Hanging Stone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-viii-the-hanging-stone) Narrates the exploration and asks questions about the hanging stone. ### [IX: The Election](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-v-ix-the-election) Narrates the events; follows the Doctor to Long Arrow's house and observes the proceedings. ### [I: New Popsipetel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-i-new-popsipetel) Narrates the chapter, helps with teaching simple arithmetic and other subjects. ### [Thoughts of Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-ii-thoughts-of-home) Narrator and First Lord of the Treasury, participates in the Cabinet Meeting and expresses homesickness. ### [III: The Red Man’s Science](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-iii-the-red-man-s-science) Initially uninterested in botany, he becomes fascinated by Long Arrow's collection and its wonders. ### [IV: The Sea-Serpent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-iv-the-sea-serpent) Narrates the chapter; watches the snail, fetches a canoe, and listens to the Doctor's conversation with porpoises. ### [The Shellfish Riddle Solved at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-v-the-shellfish-riddle-solved-at-last) Accompanies the Doctor in the canoe, fetches the medicine-bag and sheets for bandages, and observes the conversation with the snail. ### [The Last Cabinet Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-vi-the-last-cabinet-meeting) Participates in the meeting, expresses excitement about the plan to travel under the sea, and recalls the departure from England. ### [VII: The Doctor's Decision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-vi-vii-the-doctor-s-decision) Narrates the chapter; he retrieves the Doctor's notebooks and joins the departure, feeling a premonition they will never return to the palace. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters/tommy_stubbins - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/characters