Harry Potter influences and analogues Potter" involve an average eleven-year-old, better at sport than academic study, who is sent to boarding school. Upon arrival, the boy gains a best friend (in Tom's case, East, in Harry's case, Ron Weasley) who helps him adjust to the new environment. They are set upon by an arrogant bully – in Tom Brown's case, Harry Flashman, in Harry's case Draco Malfoy. Stephen Fry, who both narrates the British audio adaptations of the "Harry Potter" novels and has starred in a screen adaptation of "Tom Brown", has commented many times about the similarities between the two books. "Harry Potter –
Harry "Scud" East Harry "Scud" East Harry "Scud" East is a fictional character in the book "Tom Brown's School Days". He is perhaps the closest friend of Tom Brown. His nickname is Scud because he is so quick on his feet. In the book he is referred to as East. In the ITV adaption of "Tom Brown's Schooldays" starring Stephen Fry as Dr. Arnold and Alex Pettyfer as Tom Brown, Harry Michell portrays East. In the 1861 novel "Tom Brown at Oxford" – a direct sequel to "Tom Brown's School Days" – East has joined the Army and serves with the (fictional) 101st