Character guide

Tom

major

Also known as Thomas Grimes, little Tom, poor Tom, naughty Tom

A young chimney sweep who becomes a water baby and embarks on a transformative journey.

Mr. Grimes

supporting

Also known as Grimes, old Grimes, poor Mr. Grimes

Tom's harsh master, a chimney sweep who later faces consequences for his cruelty.

Ellie

supporting

Also known as Miss Ellie, little Ellie, poor Ellie

A kind little girl who befriends Tom and helps guide him in his new life.

Sir John Harthover

supporting

Also known as Sir John, Harthover, old Sir John

A wealthy landowner who employs Tom and later becomes involved in his adventures.

Mother Carey

supporting

A powerful fairy who oversees the water babies and dispenses wisdom and justice.

Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid

supporting

A stern fairy who punishes naughty children and teaches moral lessons.

Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby

supporting

Also known as dear Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby

A kind fairy who rewards good behavior and embodies the golden rule.

The Doasyoulikes

minor

A lazy tribe of people who do whatever they please and suffer the consequences.

Cousin Cramchild

minor

Also known as Cramchild

A pedantic and overbearing relative who lectures others on education.

St. Brandan

minor

Also known as Brandan

A legendary saint mentioned in the story's mythological framework.

Epimetheus

minor

Also known as stupid old Epimetheus

A figure from Greek myth who appears in the narrative's allegorical sections.

Prometheus

minor

A Titan from Greek mythology referenced in the story's moral lessons.

Dennis

minor

A minor character who appears briefly in Tom's adventures.

Bumpsterhausen

minor

A comical figure who appears in the water-baby world.

Mr. Lobster

minor

Also known as valiant Mr. Lobster

A brave lobster who interacts with Tom underwater.

Lady Gairfowl

minor

Also known as the Gairfowl, the poor old Gairfowl

An ancient seabird who tells Tom about the history of the world.

Tomtoddies

minor

Also known as Tomtoddies all

A group of creatures who represent conformity and foolishness.

Aunt Agitate

minor

A minor character who stirs up trouble in the narrative.

Herrwiggius

minor

A pompous academic figure satirized in the story.

Kenelm Digby

minor

A historical figure briefly mentioned in the narrative.

Pope Gregory

minor

Also known as old Pope Gregory

A historical pope referenced in the story's allusions.

Professor Owen

minor

A real-life scientist mentioned in the book's commentary.

The Baltas

minor

A group of people referenced in the story's moral allegory.