Tom Canty is a fictional character from Mark Twain's novel, "The Prince and the Pauper." He is a poor boy living in the slums of London during the 16th century. Tom dreams of a better life and often imagines what it would be like to be a prince. His humble background shapes his kind and compassionate nature. In the story, Tom's life changes dramatically when he meets Prince Edward, the heir to the throne. They decide to switch places, leading to a series of adventures and challenges. Through their experiences, both boys learn valuable lessons about class, identity, and empathy.