# Charles II — Essays character guide

> Charles II in Essays by Thomas Paine.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Charles

**First appearance:** 0003-of-monarchy-and-hereditary-succession

## Who they are

English king restored after the Commonwealth, cited as a warning.

## Relationships

### [Louis XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/characters/louis_xiv)

_social_

Charles II and Louis XIV are contemporary monarchs with diplomatic and personal acquaintance, often maneuvering for power.

### [Henry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/characters/henry)

_family_

Charles II and Henry are likely brothers or close relatives within the Stuart dynasty.

### [Mary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/characters/mary)

_family_

Charles II and Mary are likely father and daughter or brother and sister within the royal family.

### [William the Conqueror](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/characters/william_the_conqueror)

_family_

Charles II and William the Conqueror are distant ancestors and descendants in the English royal line.

### [Edward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/characters/edward)

_family_

Charles II and Edward are likely father and son or close royal relatives.

## In the story

### [Of the Origin and Design of Government in General, with Concise Remarks on the English Constitution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/of-the-origin-and-design-of-government-in-general-with-concise-remarks-on-the-english-constitution)

Mentioned in reference to the fate of Charles the First, which made kings more subtle but not more just.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/endnotes)

Charles the First is referenced as a traitor decapitated, and Charles the Second appears in the royal lineage.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/characters/charles_ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/characters