Tom displays a realistic combination of strengths and weaknesses. Living with a childless couple who do not seem to understand him, he develops an intense longing for companionship, which is fulfilled by Hatty, the girl he meets in the garden. Preoccupied with his own feelings, Tom is not always considerate of others, but he matures during the course of the story and develops greater sensitivity. Hatty is also a lonely child, orphaned and living with an aunt who is extremely unkind to her. Her friendship with Tom is important to her, and their disagreements, as in the scene where each accuses the other of being a ghost, are dramatic and convincing.

Hatty lives with three cousins— Hubert, James, and Edgar. Hubert, the oldest, has little importance in the story, but James is portrayed as gentle and understanding, while Edgar is meanminded and delights...