Mrs. Hardcastle's son by her first marriage. Tony is a prankster and enjoys such practical jokes as burning the footman's shoes and disturbing his stepfather's wig. Tony sets the play's action in motion by lying to Marlow and Hastings, telling them that Mr. Hardcastle's house is an inn.
Ignorant and spoiled, though not unlikable, Tony is more concerned with having fun than advancing his education or social standing; Mr. Hardcastle says that the only schools Tony will ever attend are "the alehouse and the stable." As he drinks with his buddies at the Three Pigeons alehouse, Tony sings a song that calls drink a better teacher than schoolmasters or preachers. Tony assures his friends that when he comes of age and inherits, he will spend his money with them drinking and gambling on horses. It is clear, however, that while Tony may come of age, he will never grow up.