Tom Hobson Character Analysis in The Power

Tom is one of the TV anchors in a recurring sketch in the book. At first, Tom is given the hard-hitting pieces to report, while his colleague Kristen is given the fluffier material. However, as the power becomes widespread and women gradually gain more standing in society, Kristen is given the more important pieces. This deeply angers Tom, and he has a sexist outburst that leads to him being fired and replaced by a younger, attractive man named Matt.

Tom Hobson Character Timeline in The Power

The timeline below shows where the character Tom Hobson appears in The Power. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...brings in a few marine biologists to talk about electric eels, and two news anchors (Tom and Kristen) joke about using the girls to power Christmas tree lights. (full context)

Stories, History, and Perspective Theme Icon

On the morning news, a history professor and the anchor, Tom, discuss prehistoric images that resemble a woman with lightning coming from her hands. The professor... (full context)

...then decides to hold a press conference with Jocelyn. During it, Margot explains to the Tom that Jocelyn’s been having trouble with her power, that she accidentally hurt a boy because... (full context)

Tom asks nervously how they will know what the girls teach each other. He says they... (full context)

...is grim as she announces that a terrorist group called Male Power has claimed responsibility. Tom tells her, however, that the men just want equality. Kristen tries to wrap up the... (full context)

...does an interview with Kristen and Matt, the young, attractive new anchor who has replaced Tom. Matt says it’s great to know that they have young women like Jocelyn ready to... (full context)

Jocelyn is currently stationed in the south of Bessapara. She reads accounts online on Tom Hobson’s website that “she can’t really believe”: in the north, there are gangs of women... (full context)

...she decides to take a drive. She prints out a map that she pulled from Tom’s website giving directions to one of the alleged drug manufacturing centers. She aims to take... (full context)