Is Tom Thumb a real person or character of fiction?

Tom Thumb is indeed a character from English folklore about a tiny man only a few inches tall, often known for his legendary adventures or magical talents. He is primarily fictional rather than a real person.

While folklore and literature feature several Tom Thumb variations, the most well-known is Joseph Addison and Richard Steele's satirical pamphlet " The History of Tom Thumb the Great". This account gained enormous popularity throughout Europe and later served as the foundation for plays, pantomimes, operas, and puppet shows.