The Tale of Two Cities is a book filled with a multitude of different characters. Dickens paints each differently with certain traits and action, however, some characters don’t seem to hold any depth. Although there are characters with more depth, there are more one-sided characters than not, perhaps for a good reason. Charles Dickens introduces various characters throughout the novel, with some including the ever loving Lucie, and Darnay, a hero with a heart of gold; both of which Dickens portrays with single traits throughout the story. However, there are characters like Doctor Manette and Sydney Carton whose complex personalities seem to be emphasized by the other two characters. Charles Dickens’ novel tells the story of many characters …show more content…
Their emotions and traumas are almost relatable in a way. Carton for example is a sad man who lives for others rather than himself. “... although Sydney Carton would never be a lion, he was an amazingly good jackal, and that he rendered suit and service to Stryver…” (Ch. 5 pg. 120). He spent his life even from childhood working for people: “Even then, I did exercises for other boys, and seldom did my own” (Ch.5 pg. 124) His stark personality contrast with Darnay, even when both seem to look so alike, makes Carton all the more complicated. He constantly throws insults at Lucie, calling her a doll, only to reveal to her that he does in fact love her. His confession is bittersweet; “when the little picture of a happy father's face looks up in yours, when you see your own bright beauty springing up anew at your feet, think now and then that there is a man who would give his life, to keep a life you love beside you” (Ch. 13 pg. 217). He muses to Lucie about her future with a certainty that she can never be in her life. After the conversation, he tells her to never bring the conversation up again. Carton is a difficult yet relatable character and his complexity is drawn out further with the contrast between his look alike, Darnay, and his unrequited love,