Fond: Partial to, affectionate of, attached to.

Despite what everyone says, I am still left with the distinct impression that Mark Twain was rather fond of Tom Sawyer. No matter that his character is (un)reasonably atrocious by the end of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn".

I look at the cover page of my copy of the novel only to find it entitled: "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Tom Sawyer's Comrade)". When you have a book about one character, and then mention another (distinctly less important to the story) in the title... Well, they must matter. 

It could, perhaps, be argued to be another attempt at forcing them into the same frame so that the reader would be forced to contrast the two... 

I'll admit, I'm rather fond of Tom, despite how painful his actions are at the end of the book. 

Back to my essay? (And on to my article?) Perhaps.