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.

In the storyA DisappointmentOpen this moment free

See Mr. Barsad in A Disappointment Book page

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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…

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See Mr. Barsad in ii a sight

Character Web

15 connections

A 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

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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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

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

Lucie Manette
Barsad is a spy and informant who threatens Lucie's family, and she is wary of his malicious intentions.
Sydney Carton
Carton outmaneuvers and blackmails Barsad to secure Darnay's escape, making Barsad a reluctant pawn in Carton's plan.
Sydney Carton
Carton outmaneuvers and blackmails Barsad to secure Darnay's escape, making Barsad a reluctant pawn in Carton's plan.
Lucie Manette
Barsad is a spy and informant who threatens Lucie's family, and she is wary of his malicious intentions.
Lucie Manette
Barsad is a spy and informant who threatens Lucie's family, and she is wary of his malicious intentions.
Sydney Carton
Carton outmaneuvers and blackmails Barsad to secure Darnay's escape, making Barsad a reluctant pawn in Carton's plan.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mr. Barsad in ii a sight

In the story

Mr. Barsad appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

A Disappointment
Testifies as a patriot witness; cross-examined about his past as a spy, debtor, and gambler.
Still Knitting
Introduced as a new English spy commissioned for Saint Antoine; visits the wine-shop and is identified by Madame Defarge.
A Hand at Cards
Exposed as a spy and Miss Pross's brother, Solomon; threatened with denunciation by Carton.
Fifty-Two
Assists Carton in the exchange, bringing men to carry the unconscious Darnay away.
The Footsteps Die Out Forever
Observes the tumbrils and identifies Evrémonde (Darnay) to a hostile onlooker.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Barsad unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Barsad in ii a sight

See Mr. Barsad in A Disappointment