Character Analysis: Common Sense

Major Characters

The characters in Common Sense are carefully constructed to embody the central conflicts of the narrative. Thomas Paine uses character relationships to explore themes of political philosophy.

Protagonist

The protagonist undergoes significant transformation throughout Common Sense, moving from an initial state of limited understanding to a more complex, mature perspective by the novel's conclusion.

Antagonist & Conflict

The central conflict in Common Sense is driven by opposing values and worldviews. The antagonist — whether a person, society, or internal force — represents the obstacles the protagonist must overcome.

Minor Characters

Supporting characters in Common Sense serve crucial narrative functions: they reflect, contrast, or challenge the protagonist's arc, enriching the reader's understanding of the book's central themes.