When God Laughs · Character
Tom King
A battered old prizefighter, twice crowned and now broke, who steps into the ring one more time because the rent and the butcher will not wait.
major
Also known as the King, Tom, old Tom King, King, All King, Twice King
First appearance: A Piece of Steak
As a major figure in When God Laughs, Tom King is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
The narrator, who hosts Carquinez and engages in philosophical discussion about winning against the gods.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With Sandel (rivalry): Sandel and Tom King are fierce competitors, likely engaged in a physical or professional contest. With George Dorety (friendship): George Dorety and Tom King are frequent companions, possibly…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Tom King sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Tom King in A Piece of SteakCharacter Web
23 connectionsA slice of how Tom King sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Friendship
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Protagonist
- Youth and boxing rivals
- South Seas travelers and survival
- Sailors on troubled ships
- Chinese prisoners awaiting execution
+18 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Resolution.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Yi Chin Ho, facing imminent execution, shifts from passive desp…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Sandel
rivalry · negative
Sandel and Tom King are fierce competitors, likely engaged in a physical or professional… How this plays out →
- George Dorety
friendship · positive
- Youth
rivalry · negative
- Alexander Burrell
professional · ambivalent
- George Dorety
friendship · positive
- George Dorety
friendship · positive
- Sandel
rivalry · negative
Sandel and Tom King are fierce competitors, likely engaged in a physical or professional… How this plays out →
- Alexander Burrell
professional · ambivalent
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Tom King in A Piece of SteakIn the story
Tom King 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 King unlock in the free preview.
See Tom King in A Piece of Steak