A Tale of Two Cities · Character
Mr. Barsad
A sallow, aquiline-nosed turncoat who sells testimony in London courtrooms and information in Paris wine-shops, always to whoever pays last.
supporting
Also known as Barsad, John Barsad, John, Solomon, Solomon John, dear Solomon, John Solomon
First appearance: ii a sight
As a supporting figure in A Tale of Two Cities, Mr. Barsad is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Testifies as a patriot witness; cross-examined about his past as a spy, debtor, and gambler.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Barsad testifies against Charles Darnay at the Old Bailey as a hired witness, then resurfaces in Paris as a jailer and spy — and as Miss Pross's long-lost brother Solomon. Madame Defarge records his description in her…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Mr. Barsad sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Mr. Barsad in ii a sightCharacter Web
15 connectionsA slice of how Mr. Barsad sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Revolutionary and Aristocratic Forces
- Spies and Observers
+10 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative 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…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Lucie Manette
rivalry · negative
Barsad is a spy and informant who threatens Lucie's family, and she is wary of his… How this plays out →
- Sydney Carton
rivalry · negative
- Sydney Carton
rivalry · negative
- Lucie Manette
rivalry · negative
Barsad is a spy and informant who threatens Lucie's family, and she is wary of his… How this plays out →
- Lucie Manette
rivalry · negative
Barsad is a spy and informant who threatens Lucie's family, and she is wary of his… How this plays out →
- Sydney Carton
rivalry · negative
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mr. Barsad in ii a sightIn the story
Mr. Barsad appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Barsad unlock in the free preview.
See Mr. Barsad in ii a sight