# Tom Willard — Winesburg, Ohio character guide

> Tom Willard in Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Tom Willy, windy old Tom Willard, Tom

**First appearance:** 0006-mother

## Who they are

Proprietor of the New Willard House, a man whose loud claims for the hotel and for his son George never quite cover the gap between boast and fact.

## In the story

### [Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/winesburg_ohio_se/chapters/mother)

The husband, a failed hotel keeper and political dreamer, who pressures George to be more ambitious and practical.

### [The Philosopher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/winesburg_ohio_se/chapters/the-philosopher)

Mentioned as Tom Willy, the saloon keeper with red birthmarks on his hands.

### [The Thinker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/winesburg_ohio_se/chapters/the-thinker)

The hotel proprietor and George's father, briefly heard arguing politics with traveling men in the hotel office.

### [Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/winesburg_ohio_se/chapters/death)

Grieves his wife's death, though he had resented her; his tears and dyed mustache are noted.

### [Departure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/winesburg_ohio_se/chapters/departure)

George's father, who carries his bag to the station and advises him to be sharp and watch his money.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/winesburg_ohio_se/characters/tom_willard
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/winesburg_ohio_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/winesburg_ohio_se/characters