Thomas is a nine-year-old boy who "sees things that no one else can see," including Jesus. He struggles to understand the differences between his home life, which is sad and abusive, and the outside world. He is afraid of his violent father, who beats him with a wooden spoon. He is tender toward his oppressed mother, and manages to slowly build his confidence through his friendships with outsiders, especially Mrs. van Amersfoort and Eliza. Thomas speaks often with Jesus, who appears to him as a funny, down-to-earth character. Jesus advises Thomas even though Thomas is convinced that God has abandoned them both. He is an avid reader, trying to imagine what the books' heroes would do if they were in his shoes. His stern father disapproves of the books that Thomas reads.
