A Tale of Two Cities · Character

Mr. Jarvis Lorry

A mild-mannered Tellson's Bank man whose quiet business confidence and cryptic message, 'recalled to life,' set the whole story in motion.

major

Also known as Mr. Lorry, Jerry, the innocent Mr. Lorry, the discreet Mr. Lorry, the gentle Mr. Lorry, the sagacious Mr. Lorry

First appearance: The Mail

As a major figure in A Tale of Two Cities, Mr. Jarvis Lorry is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Receives the message 'Recalled to Life' and travels to Dover to meet Lucie Manette, then accompanies her to Paris to retrieve Dr.

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Lorry is the trusted London agent dispatched to Dover and then Paris on Tellson's business, a man so identified with the bank that he speaks of himself in the plural and calls his work 'business.' His guarded, methodical temperament hides a deep well of loyalty and tenderness, especially toward the Manettes, whom he has served since before Lucie could walk. He is the steady hand that carries the plot's first secret and later becomes the family's most reliable ally in revolutionary Paris.

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See Mr. Jarvis Lorry in The Mail

Character Web

17 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Revolutionary and Aristocratic Forces
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this chapter, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as Lucie, the story’s emotional anchor, hears the…

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In the story

Mr. Jarvis Lorry appears across 24 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book the First: Recalled to Life
Receives the message 'Recalled to Life' and travels to Dover to meet Lucie Manette, then accompanies her to Paris to retrieve Dr. Manette.
The Mail
The passenger booked by this history, traveling on the Dover mail, receives a message and responds with 'Recalled to Life.'
The Night Shadows
The bank passenger inside the mail coach, who dreams of digging a man out of a grave and repeatedly asks about the length of burial and the desire to live, representing his mission to recall Dr. Manette.
IV: The Preparation
Delivers the news of Dr. Manette's survival to Lucie, struggles with the emotional weight of the revelation.
The Wine-Shop
Accompanies Lucie Manette to the wine-shop and up to Dr. Manette's garret, showing concern for her agitation and speaking words of reassurance.
The Shoemaker
Accompanies Lucie to the garret; assists in the practical arrangements for leaving Paris.
A Sight
Sits among the gentlemen in wigs, receives the note from Jerry Cruncher, and quietly nods in acknowledgment.
A Disappointment
Testifies as a Tellson's bank clerk; cannot identify Darnay as a fellow mail passenger; later sends Jerry with the verdict.
IV: Congratulatory
Acts as a mediator and expresses concern for the group's well-being after the trial.
Hundreds of People
Visits Doctor Manette's home, reflects on the Doctor's suppressed trauma, and enjoys the family's company.
The Fellow of Delicacy
Receives Stryver's confidence and tactfully advises him against proposing, defending Lucie's character.
One Night
Is the only guest invited to the wedding; dines with Doctor Manette, Lucie, and Miss Pross.
Nine Days
Arranges the wedding, gives Lucie a set of diamonds, and becomes the primary caretaker of Doctor Manette after his relapse.
An Opinion
Anxious and watchful, he orchestrates the removal of the shoemaker's bench after consulting Doctor Manette.
Drawn to the Loadstone Rock
At Tellson's Bank, preparing for a journey to Paris; discusses the dangers with Darnay but remains confident in his own safety.
The Grindstone
Watches the grindstone scene from the window, comforts Lucie, and orchestrates the plan to help Charles.
III: The Shadow
Arranges new lodging for Lucie and her child, receives Doctor Manette's note from Defarge, and tries to reassure Lucie despite his own unease.
Calm in Storm
Receives the Doctor's confidences under secrecy; observes the Doctor's new pride and strength, and trusts in his purpose.
The Wood-Sawyer
Mr. Lorry remains at Tellson's Bank, managing confiscated property, and is sought by Doctor Manette for consultation.
Triumph
Present at the Tribunal in his usual clothes; later grasps Darnay's hand after the acquittal, having struggled through the Carmagnole crowd.
A Hand at Cards
Informed by Carton of Darnay's rearrest and listens to Carton's plan.
Dusk
Accompanies the family, expresses hopelessness to Carton, and agrees to meet him at nine.
Darkness
Mr. Lorry receives Carton's instructions for the escape plan, promising to prepare horses and wait for Carton's signal.
Fifty-Two
Darnay commends his family and worldly affairs to him in a letter.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Jarvis Lorry in The Mail

See Mr. Jarvis Lorry in Book the First: Recalled to Life