I've always found it interesting how Tom initially thought his father was a wizard; this dream was shattered and crushed even further by the fact that his mother became so emotionally weak that she couldn't use her powers anymore. Tom resented her for being so weak-willed and abandoning him, out of love for a Muggle no less.

If his mother (Merope) didn't die giving birth to him and instead they lived together for a few years, do you think he would have turned out differently, or would she feed his desire for glory?

If still alive for a few more years (say, 4-5), would Merope get over her depression and take more pride in being a descendant of Slytherin? Would she teach Tom how to use his powers and encourage him to pursue the Dark Arts?

Or would she attempt to keep him as far from Dark Magic as possible? Would she hide his heritage from him, and lie about his powers (especially him being a Parselmouth)? How would she react when he would inevitably discover he could talk to snakes?

Or...would she still choose to abandon him, not bearing to see the face of the man she loved so much? (Voldemort was said to resemble his father very much.) Maybe...would she muster up the strength to return to the village and attempt to win Tom Sr.'s love once again?

And a sort-of follow-up question: would Merope raising Tom "cancel out" the effects of the love potion she used on his father? (IIRC there was a hint of the potion having grave effects on any results of that fake love it instilled.) Would he turn out more normal under her guidance? Would he even be capable of love?