Thomas Boleyn Character Analysis in Wolf Hall

Thomas Boleyn is Anne Boleyn’s father. He is an ambitious and unscrupulous man who has no qualms about using his daughters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, to make his way up in court. When Anne is pregnant and King Henry resumes sleeping with his former mistress, Anne’s sister Mary, Thomas encourages this because it will keep the king’s favor within the family. A shallow man, he takes great delight in his title of “Monseigneur,” which he gets after Anne marries Henry.

Thomas Boleyn Character Timeline in Wolf Hall

The timeline below shows where the character Thomas Boleyn appears in Wolf Hall. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Power, Ambition, and Deception Theme Icon

...of Northumberland’s heir. Cardinal Wolsey is upset at this news, and he calls in her father, Thomas Boleyn, to tell him that this can’t proceed. Harry Percy is to marry the... (full context)

Thomas Boleyn says that his daughter Anne and Harry Percy have already “pledged themselves before witnesses,” but... (full context)

After Thomas Boleyn leaves the room, Cromwell mentions to Wolsey that the king is rumored to be sleeping... (full context)

Children and Human Connection Theme Icon

...he gets news of the cardinal’s popularity in France. In England, the king has made Thomas Boleyn a viscount, and there are rumors that he intends to marry Anne Boleyn. (full context)

...The Duke of Suffolk “threatened him to his face,” and Suffolk is joined by Norfolk, Thomas Boleyn , and Lord Darcy in a campaign against Wolsey, saying that Wolsey has failed with... (full context)

...dip back into her trailing sleeves.” In December, the king gave a banquet to celebrate Thomas Boleyn ’s elevation to Earl of Wiltshire. Katherine was not present, and Anne sat in her... (full context)

...do not mention her in More’s house. Cromwell says he knows that Norfolk and her father are busy meeting ambassadors from France, Venice, and the Emperor—he suspects that they are plotting... (full context)