Character guide

Thomas Paine

major

Also known as Paine

Author and central figure, advocating for revolution and republican government.

Mr. Pitt

supporting

Also known as Pitt

British statesman criticized for financial policies and war debts.

François Noel Babeuf

supporting

Also known as Babeuf

French revolutionary agitator and advocate of agrarian equality.

Samuel

minor

Biblical prophet and judge, cited as a model of leadership.

Gideon

minor

Biblical judge who refused hereditary kingship, used as an example.

William the Conqueror

minor

Also known as William

Norman king of England, criticized for usurpation and tyranny.

Henry

minor

Also known as Henry the Sixth

English king cited in discussions of hereditary succession.

George Chalmers

minor

Also known as Chalmers

British historian and opponent of Paine's political views.

Mr. Burke

minor

British statesman and critic of the French Revolution, rebutted by Paine.

Boyd

minor

Publisher or associate mentioned in the editorial apparatus.

Edward

minor

Also known as Edward the Sixth

English king referenced in arguments against hereditary rule.

Louis XIV

minor

French monarch cited as an example of absolute power.

Mary

minor

English queen referenced in discussions of succession.

Mr. Pelham

minor

Also known as the late Mr. Pelham

British politician mentioned in financial contexts.

Mr. Cornwall

minor

British official or writer cited in the text.

Louis Capet

minor

Also known as Louis

King Louis XVI of France, executed during the Revolution.

Charles II

minor

Also known as Charles

English king restored after the Commonwealth, cited as a warning.

Robespierre

minor

French revolutionary leader, mentioned in passing.

young Dionysius

minor

Ancient tyrant of Syracuse, used as a cautionary figure.

William III

minor

Dutch-born English king, referenced in constitutional debates.