Protagonist

Character Role Analysis

Tom Dolan

Tom is the main character, and the story is all about how he rolls up his sleeves and morphs from the timid kid of a single, dirt-poor mother to a hardworking mill hand and proud owner of strong, sturdy barn with a bright future ahead of him.

Beyond his own good traits, Tom has a unique ability to inspire positive change in other characters, too, as well as a knack for bringing people together and out of their loneliness. It's no wonder so many characters are eager to help him throughout the novel. It's Team Tom for the win all the way through.