what qualities of tom make others choose him as the leader.

Tom is a bright boy. Although school bores him, Tom is clever at life. He is a good natured boy who can manipulate people without being malicious. When Tom is supposed to whitewash (paint) a fence, he cons the neighborhood kids into doing it through his flair for acting and the dramatic. Tom has a definite sense of right and wrong. He is plagued by his knowledge of Muff Potter's innocence and, despite the dangers of Injun Joe, does the right thing (He testifies at the trial). Leaders draw people not because they are especially qualified rather that they are interesting people. Tom possesses the wit and the charm necessary for people to follow him.