Thomas Yates, a successful author whom Frank asks to write a book about the America Works jobs program, stays on as Frank’s speech writer and Claire’s lover. He was absent from Season Four and returned in Season Five where he unsuccessfully tries to help Frank get re-elected as Governor of Pennsylvania. In the Season Five finale, he helps Claire escape from her holding cell after she commits murder, leaving his fate unknown. Thomas Yates Clair’s lover and Frank’s speech writer
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The character is an educated political insider
a rising star of politics who writes speeches for Congressman Frank Underwood. He is handsome in a non-threatening way; he is seemingly cool under pressure but not without emotions. Sparks uses his character to showcase a different kind of masculinity: unlike with Robin Wright’s Claire Underwood or Michael Kelly’s Doug Stamper, we have no doubts about where Thomas Yates’ loyalty lies or what he wants out of life.
He came from humble beginnings
Thomas was born in a small town in Indiana, not too far from where Claire grew up. His father worked for a steel mill and his mother stayed at home. He attended college on a scholarship but dropped out of school when he began writing. He eventually became a successful author with several bestselling books to his name. While touring around America to promote one of his books he was introduced to Frank Underwood by another congressman named Donald Blythe.
Fictional character in House of Cards
House of Cards is an American political drama web television series created by Beau Willimon. It is an adaptation of a previous BBC miniseries of the same name that premiered in 1990. The first episode premiered on February 1, 2013. The show is set in Washington D.C., where it chronicles Congressman Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his wife Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) as they make their way through the corridors of power in Washington D.C.
Political strategist in House of Cards
Thomas Yates is first seen in season three of House of Cards as a political strategist employed by President Walker. He is later promoted to Chief of Staff following Lisa Sherborne’s dismissal from that position. He then works for Claire Underwood during her time as First Lady. Following her ascension to Vice President, he becomes a key player in helping her secure support within Congress.
Relationship with Clair Underwood in House of Cards
In season 3 episode 7 (Chapter 27), Claire Underwood goes to Washington D.C. to plead her case of being Secretary of State. When she gets there she meets Thomas Yates, a successful author whom Frank asks to write a book about the America Works jobs program. He stays on as a speech writer and Claire’s lover… so far. In Season 4 he works as Chief of Staff in her office and they start an affair while Frank is in prison.
