Tom Wingo is a fictional character from the novel "The Prince of Tides" by Pat Conroy. He is a South Carolina native who works as a high school football coach and teacher. Tom struggles with his family's troubled past and his own emotional challenges, which are central themes in the story. Throughout the novel, Tom seeks to understand his family's history and the impact it has had on his life. His journey involves confronting painful memories and exploring his relationships, particularly with his twin sister, Savannah Wingo, and his parents. Tom's character embodies themes of love, loss, and redemption.