Parson Adams in Joseph Andrews is the quintessential good country parson of the era. He is charitable in all that he possesses, even to the point of being charitable enough to risk his own safety or even life in order to protect his students and friends. When Joseph Andrews encounters him in a tavern while journeying back to his village, Joseph is genuinely glad to see Parson Adams, which testifies to the greatness of his philosophy of charitableness. It is true that he also loves a good smoke and a good meal with both good food and good drink. It is also true that this trait is seen in poor light by some individuals.

Parson Trulliber, on the other hand, is the exact opposite of Parson Adams. His goodwill and charitable spirit are so mean and meager that he will not even extend charity to Parson Adams when it is in need. While Parson Adams loves a good meal and smoke, Parson Trulliber is an all-out glutton who greedily consumes as a form of avarice. All his charititable attitude metaphorically goes toward feeding his ravenous gluttony. On top of which, he is foul tempered; no former student and friend would embrace him lovingly if encountered in a tavern while on a sad journey home.