Bob Jakin was one of Tom’s childhood friends. However, their friendship ended when he and Tom had a fight over a coin, and Tom was angered that Bob tried to “cheat.” As adults, however, Bob proves a true friend to Tom and Maggie, whom he adores. He tries to give them his life savings to help them after the bankruptcy, and he partners with Tom in a prosperous investment that earns the Tullivers hundreds of pounds. When Maggie is disgraced after her elopement, he takes her and Mrs. Tulliver into his home and cares for her. Although Bob is not very articulate, he is very intelligent, as demonstrated by his investment savvy and brilliant salesmanship (he even manages to sell linens to the notoriously stingy Mrs. Glegg). Bob’s friendship is a constant source of stability to both Tom and Maggie throughout the novel.