How Is Manette A Dynamic Character

One of the most complex characters in A Tale of Two Cities is Dr. Alexandre Manette. A man torn apart from 18 years of prison, Manette struggles to return to life in society. After regaining his sanity and confidence, he attempts to use his power for good and justice. However, he unintentionally ensures that his son-in-law be sentenced to death because of his actions in his dark past. Manette is a constant symbol for people not being able to escape their pasts.
Dr. Manette can be considered both a round character and a dynamic character. His complexity increases throughout the story and he undergoes multiple changes in the novel. When Dr. Manette is first introduced in “Book the First,” he is a broken man and has been deprived of life. His
Manette’s biggest ally in “Book the Second” is Lucie. Aside from being his daughter, Lucie has given Manette reason to live again. Lucie’s love and compassion for Manette allows him to become a distinguished citizen of London. Lucie’s influence on Manette was so strong that she was described as “the golden thread that united him to a Past beyond his misery, and to a Present beyond his misery: and the sound of her voice, the light of her face, the touch of her hand, had a strong beneficial influence with him almost always” (Dickens 137 ). Manette is not completely removed from his past, although, as he still can become gloomy and depressed at times. The shoe-making bench still remains in the house, again indicating he is not yet completely free from his past. The nature of Lucie and Manette’s relationship is warm hearted and loving, as Lucie truly cares for her father and does whatever she can to bring him back to reality. This relationship strongly influences Manette’s actions throughout the novel. When Darnay asks for Manette’s approval to marry Lucie, the only reason Manette approves is because he wants Lucie to be happy. Manette is aware of how much Lucie has done for him and wants her to have happiness and joy more than anything else. Charles is an Evremonde, and Manette would never want an affiliation with an Evremonde otherwise. Because of his relationship with Lucie, although, he allows Charles into his life and allows him to marry Lucie. Manette is on the protagonist side of the conflict. Manette can be considered a protagonist because of his transition from his dark and agonizing prison days into a normal life in society again. He becomes a recognized part of society in London and even begins his doctor practices again. His journey from his past into a new life can be considered heroic, and therefore Manette is a