Tom Bailey Aldrich

Tom Bailey Aldrich, the narrator, is the son of a banker. He is characterized by his mischievous nature, high spirits, and adventurous outlook. Following the death of his father, Tom's life takes a turn when his mother, Mrs. Aldrich, relocates to New York, and he finds employment in his uncle's counting house. Tom stands as a literary precursor to iconic American fictional boys like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, embodying realism and youthful exuberance.

Captain Nutter

Captain Nutter is Tom's hale and cheery grandfather, providing a dependable presence in his life.

Miss Abigail

Miss Abigail, Captain Nutter’s prim and strict sister, manages the household with a firm hand. She is particularly known for her strong aversion to the smell of tobacco.

Kitty Collins

Kitty Collins serves as the maid for the Nutter household. She is a young Irish woman who faced the hardship of being deserted by her sailor husband. Eventually, her husband returns, and they settle into a peaceful life together in a seaside cottage.

Bill Conway

Bill Conway is known as Tom’s bullying adversary, often causing trouble for him.

Seth Rodgers

Seth Rodgers also stands as one of Tom's enemies, adding to the challenges he faces.

Sailor Ben

Sailor Ben, a friend of Tom’s, is also Kitty’s husband. He plays a pivotal role in the story by teaching Tom and his companions how to fire the Trefethen cannon, thus imparting a sense of adventure and camaraderie.

Phil Adams

Phil Adams is a close school friend of Tom who takes it upon himself to teach Tom the art of fighting, thereby helping him stand up to his bullies.

Pepper Whitcomb

Pepper Whitcomb, another of Tom’s friends, unfortunately falls victim to a misdirected arrow by Tom during an amateur production of William Tell, highlighting the playful yet hazardous antics of their youth.

Binny Wallace

Binny Wallace is remembered as a dear friend of Tom who tragically loses his life in the sinking of a drifting boat amidst a violent sea storm, an event that profoundly impacts Tom and his circle.

Mr. Grimshaw

Mr. Grimshaw serves as the boys’ teacher at the Temple Grammar School, overseeing their education and discipline.

Charley Marden

Charley Marden is a schoolboy who experiences a near-fatal incident when a torpedo unexpectedly detonates in school, adding a layer of peril to the boys' mischievous activities.

Ezra Wingate

Ezra Wingate is a neighbor whose old stagecoach gets caught in a bonfire set by the boys. Despite the destruction, Ezra cleverly turns the situation to his advantage by securing a substantial compensation for the damages.

Mr. Meeks

Mr. Meeks, the town’s shy druggist, finds himself the target of the Widow Conway’s matrimonial ambitions, adding a humorous touch to the community’s social dynamics.

Silas Trefethen

Silas Trefethen is a somewhat eccentric character known for purchasing cannons in anticipation of a war with England, a conflict that, in reality, never manifested.

Nelly Glentworth

Nelly Glentworth is a young visitor to Captain Nutter’s home, who captures Tom’s heart, offering a glimpse into his tender emotions and youthful infatuation.