Tom Bloomfield is the eldest of the Bloomfield children at seven years old. He is cruel and enjoys torturing small animals and birds. Although his mother characterizes him as highly intelligent, Agnes fails to see this characteristic in the obstinate boy. He seems to be talented only in finding ways to get out of his studies. Agnes tries to be patient with the boy, but sometimes finds herself holding his hand with the pencil to make him write his lessons. She tries to convince Tom that being mean to his sisters, animals and even Agnes, is not a proper way to behave, but is not able to make any headway with the boy because the other adults in his life coddle him and act like his actions are cute.
