Tom Brown (character) boy, and falls afoul of the school bully, Flashman. Over the course of the novel, Brown changes from a timid boy to a brave young man who has overcome his initial fear of Flashman and his ilk. In the 2005 television adaption, he was played by Alex Pettyfer. In the sequel novel, "Tom Brown at Oxford", Brown is now attending Oxford University as his adventures continue, albeit without Scud East, who has since joined the army. Tom Brown later appears in the historical novel "Flashman's Lady" (1977) by George MacDonald Fraser, in which he is reunited with his former rival,
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling daughter and a local beauty. She throws herself at Tom, who gets her pregnant and then feels obliged to offer her his protection. After some time, however, Tom finds out that Molly is somewhat promiscuous. He then falls in love with a neighbouring squire's lovely daughter, Sophia Western. Tom and Sophia confess their love for each other after Tom breaks his arm rescuing Sophia. Tom's status as a bastard causes Sophia's father and Allworthy to oppose their love. This aspect of class friction gives Fielding an opportunity for biting social commentary. The inclusion of prostitution and sexual promiscuity in the