Character Analysis
Sydney Carton
A Tale of Two Cities
Sources:
Oxford Reference
Merriam-Webster
“5 Types of Anti-Heroes” by Liz Bureman, thewritepractice.com
LitWeb: The Norton Introduction to Literary Studyspace
Learning Objectives
• Character Anchor Charts
o Analyze moral dilemmas of characters. (110.34.b.5.b)
o Analyze internal and external character development. (110.33.b.5.b)
• Character Analysis: Sydney Carton
o Complex yet believable characters. (110.31.b.5.b)
o Relate traditional characters to modern characters. (110.33.b.2.b)
• Socratic Seminar
o Reading Comprehension (110.33.b.5)
o Listening and speaking skills (110.33.b.24,25)
Character Sketch – Sydney Carton
• Sources of Conflict
o Love for Lucie Manette
o Addiction to alcohol
o Lack of ambition
• Resolution
o Makes peace with himself
o Gives up alcohol
o Bold, ambition plan
Sydney Carton
• How should we categorize Sydney Carton?
• Anti-hero: a main character who does not have
the usual qualities of a hero.
• Characteristics:
o
o
o
o
Fundamentally good
Morally ambiguous
Doesn’t care as much about collateral damage
Character development often involves conquering his
own fears and coming to terms with himself.
Hero vs. Anti-Hero
HERO
ANTI-HERO
Brave
Timid
Selfless
Selfish
Strong
Weak
Honest
Sarcastic
Idealistic
Realistic
Confident
Self-doubt
Excellent judgment
Unscrupulous
The Anti-Hero: Examples
Scarlett O’Hara, Gone With the Wind
The Anti-Hero: Examples
Artemis Fowl
The Anti-Hero: Examples
Severus Snape
The Anti-Hero: Examples
Iron Man/Tony Stark
The Anti-Hero: Examples
Wolverine
The Anti-Hero: Examples
Shrek
The Anti-Hero: Examples
Jack Sparrow
The Anti-Hero: Examples
Flynn Rider
The Anti-Hero: Examples
Sydney Carton
So What?
• Why is the anti-hero important?
o
o
o
o
o
More prevalent in modern books and film
Reflects the complexity of people
Not one-dimensional
More interesting
More realistic