Tom Shiftlet is a character in Flannery O'Connor's short story "The Life You Save May Be Your Own." The story, set in rural Georgia in the 1940s, follows Tom Shiftlet as he arrives at a farm in search of work and a place to stay. Shiftlet is a drifter and a con artist who is always on the lookout for his next scam.
At first, Tom Shiftlet appears to be a charming and likable character. He is handsome, well-spoken, and has a way with words that wins over the farm's owner, Mrs. Crater, and her disabled daughter, Lucynell. Shiftlet tells them that he is a carpenter and mechanic, and he quickly sets to work repairing the farm's old truck and fixing up the dilapidated house.
As the story unfolds, however, it becomes clear that Shiftlet is not who he claims to be. He is a manipulative and selfish man who is only interested in getting what he can from Mrs. Crater and Lucynell. When he learns that Mrs. Crater is wealthy and that Lucynell is the sole heir to her fortune, Shiftlet sees an opportunity to take advantage of them. He begins to court Lucynell, promising to marry her and take care of her for the rest of her life.
Despite her disability, Lucynell is a kind and innocent young woman who is easily swayed by Shiftlet's charms. Mrs. Crater, on the other hand, is suspicious of Shiftlet's intentions and tries to warn her daughter against him. But Lucynell is determined to marry Shiftlet and live a normal life, and she ignores her mother's warnings.
In the end, Shiftlet's true nature is revealed when he leaves the farm in the middle of the night, stealing Mrs. Crater's money and abandoning Lucynell. The story ends with Lucynell sitting alone on the porch, waiting for Shiftlet to return and realizing that she has been duped.
Overall, Tom Shiftlet is a complex and fascinating character who represents the dangers of greed and the temptation of easy money. Despite his charming exterior, Shiftlet is ultimately a dishonest and selfish man who takes advantage of those who trust him. His actions serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of being careful and discerning in the face of deceit and manipulation.