Character Profile

Prepared by: learnloophq@gmail.com

Last edited 11 days ago by Learn LoopHQ.

Chapter: 06. Tom Has A Toothache

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Character Profiles

1. Tom Sawyer

Role in the Story: The protagonist of the extract; a young, mischievous boy who tries to avoid school.

Key Traits:

Mischievous and Clever: He devises elaborate plans to skip school, first considering colic, then a loose tooth, and finally a “sore toe” as an excuse. He’s always looking for a way out of responsibilities.

Imaginative and Dramatic: Tom is a fantastic actor, able to put on a convincing show of suffering, groaning loudly and even convincing himself of his pain. He creates a dramatic “dying” scene with last wishes.

Determined: He persists in his act, even when Sid initially sleeps through his groans, increasing his “exertions.”

Selfish (in a childish way): His primary motivation is to go fishing instead of attending school.

Fearful of Pain: Despite his cleverness, he quickly gives up his act and his desire to skip school when faced with the real threat of his tooth being pulled.

Relationships:

Sid (half-brother): Tom uses Sid as an audience and a means to alert Aunt Polly, manipulating Sid’s concern.

Aunt Polly (guardian): He is wary of her disciplinary actions (like pulling his tooth) but is also clearly loved by her, despite her exasperation with his “outrageousness.”

2. Sid

Role in the Story: Tom’s younger half-brother; initially asleep, then becomes genuinely alarmed by Tom’s act.

Key Traits:

Sound Sleeper: He sleeps through Tom’s initial groans and “admirable groans.”

Gullible and Naive: He is easily convinced by Tom’s dramatic performance, becoming genuinely “frightened” and believing Tom is “dying.”

Concerned and Caring: Once awake, he shows real worry for Tom, shaking him and rushing to get Aunt Polly.

Obedient and Quick to Act: He immediately goes to get Aunt Polly when he believes Tom is in serious trouble.

Relationships:

Tom (half-brother): He is awakened and manipulated by Tom’s act, but his concern for his brother is real.

Aunt Polly: He acts as a messenger, reporting Tom’s perceived condition to her.

3. Aunt Polly

Role in the Story: Tom and Sid’s guardian; a figure of authority and affection.

Key Traits:

Initially Skeptical: Her first reaction to Sid’s urgent message is “Rubbage! I don’t believe it!” showing she’s accustomed to Tom’s antics.

Loving and Caring: Despite her skepticism, her “face grew white” and her “lips trembled” as she rushed to Tom, indicating deep concern and love for him. She explicitly states, “Tom, Tom, I love you so.”

Perceptive and Shrewd: She quickly sees through Tom’s “nonsense” and dramatic acts, recognizing the “sore toe” as fake and instantly understanding his true motive for faking illness (to go fishing).

Firm and Disciplinary: She is ready to pull Tom’s loose tooth with a “silk thread and a chunk of fire” and scolds him for his “outrageousness” and deceit.

Amused: Her reaction of laughing and crying together indicates a humorous acceptance of Tom’s mischievous nature, recognizing it as typical boyish behavior.

Relationships:

Tom (nephew/ward): She loves him dearly but is constantly challenged and exasperated by his clever deceptions and pranks. She understands his character well.

Sid (nephew/ward): She relies on Sid to inform her about Tom’s behavior, though she evaluates the information with her own understanding of Tom.

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