The eldest son of Sir Thomas Bertram in Mansfield Park is Tom Bertram.
Tom’s full name is Thomas Bertram, and he is the elder son and heir of Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram. His younger brother is Edmund Bertram, who plans to become a clergyman. The Bertram family also includes Maria and Julia, Tom’s two sisters, while Fanny Price is their poorer cousin and a ward of the family.
Tom is portrayed as spendthrift, careless, and fond of amusement. His gambling and other debts become so serious that Sir Thomas must sell the living intended for Edmund. Sir Thomas later takes Tom with him to Antigua to address problems involving the family’s plantation.
Tom’s illness after a fall at the Newmarket races becomes an important turning point. His suffering prompts remorse and allows Edmund to take greater responsibility at Mansfield Park. William Price belongs to Fanny’s naval family, while Henry Crawford is an outsider and potential suitor to Fanny.