When the World Shook · Character

Tommy

Arbuthnot's loyal spaniel, small and ordinary, whose simple presence unexpectedly sways the fate of the awakened sleepers.

supporting

Also known as Poor little Tommy, the spaniel Tommy

First appearance: i arbuthnot describes himself

As a supporting figure in When the World Shook, Tommy is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The spaniel whimpers sympathetically as Natalie hides her tears.

In the storyIV: Death and DepartureOpen this moment free

See Tommy in IV: Death and Departure Book page

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Tommy is Arbuthnot's dog, carried along on the voyage and into the island's strangest moments, where his tolerance and affection win him unlikely friends. The ancient Oro, indifferent to men, cares for Tommy more than…

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The fuller portrait of Tommy sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Tommy in i arbuthnot describes himself

Character Web

10 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Central expedition party
Peripheral and background figures
Protagonist

+5 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Humphrey confr…

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Relationships

Yva
friendship · positive
Tommy is awestruck and friendly toward Yva, viewing her as a wondrous and kind figure. How this plays out →
Oro
friendship · positive
Yva
friendship · positive
Tommy is awestruck and friendly toward Yva, viewing her as a wondrous and kind figure. How this plays out →
Oro
friendship · positive

Relationship notes

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

See Tommy in i arbuthnot describes himself

In the story

Tommy appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV: Death and Departure
The spaniel whimpers sympathetically as Natalie hides her tears.
Land
The spaniel; survives the cyclone and is mentioned as whimpering and licking Arbuthnot's face.
VII: The Orofenans
Bites a native who later dies; his reputation as a supernatural guardian is enhanced.
VIII: Bastin Attempts the Martyr's Crown
Accompanies the group in the canoe.
IX: The Island in the Lake
Sniffs and scratches at the base of the statue in the cave, indicating something hidden there.
X: The Dwellers in the Tomb
Scratches at the base of the statue, leading to the discovery of the hidden tomb, but later goes missing.
XI: Resurrection
Growls on top of Yva's coffin; frisks around when the party arrives; lays a flower bough at Oro's feet, influencing his decision; sits on Yva's knee and is stroked.
XIII: Oro Speaks and Bastin Argues
Sits contentedly on the hem of Yva's robe during the conversation.
XIV: The Underworld
Returns transformed after drinking the Life-water; now has a shiny coat and is loyal to Yva; shows aggression toward Bastin.
Yva Explains
Briefly mentioned as being enraptured at Yva's arrival.
XVIII: The Accident
Accompanies Yva when she leaves, showing unusual attachment to her.
The Command
The only cheerful member of the party; skips and barks; mopes when Yva is absent.
XXIII: In the Temple of Fate
Tommy is lifted by Yva during the descent and receives a pat from Oro, indicating the ancient ruler's fondness for the dog.
XXIV: The Chariot of the Pit
The spaniel; appears depressed and clings to the group's heels.
XXV: Sacrifice
Patted by Yva during the tense moments.
XXVI: Tommy
The spaniel licks Arbuthnot's face, guides the group through the tunnel, and leads them to the beach.
Epilogue
The spaniel dies within three days of Arbuthnot, found dead lying on Marama's feather cloak.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Tommy in i arbuthnot describes himself

See Tommy in IV: Death and Departure