Benjamin Franklin

James Morris

Political opponents during the Pennsylvania Assembly disputes over proprietary governance.

John Bigelow

Bigelow was Franklin's editor and biographer, compiling the first authoritative edition of the autobiography.

Le Veillard

Franklin corresponded warmly with Le Veillard, a French friend who helped preserve his autobiography manuscript.

Samuel Keimer

Franklin worked as a journeyman printer in Keimer's shop before leaving to start his own business.

James Ralph

Close youthful friends who traveled to London together, but later drifted apart due to Ralph's irresponsibility.

Charles Osborne

Fellow members of Franklin's Junto club, sharing intellectual debates and literary ambitions.

James Morris

Political opponents during the Pennsylvania Assembly disputes over proprietary governance.

John Bigelow

Bigelow was Franklin's editor and biographer, compiling the first authoritative edition of the autobiography.

Charles Osborne

Fellow members of Franklin's Junto club, sharing intellectual debates and literary ambitions.

The Story of the Autobiography

Author of the Autobiography, began writing it in 1771 as a letter to his son; later continued at Passy and in Philadelphia.

Epigraph

Dictates a bequest to Boston's free schools in his will.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

The author and protagonist, reflecting on his youth and early career.

I: Ancestry and Early Youth in Boston

The author and narrator, reflecting on his ancestry and early youth in Boston.

II: Beginning Life as a Printer

Narrator and protagonist; describes his childhood reading, apprenticeship, and early career as a printer.

Arrival in Philadelphia

Narrates his arduous journey from Boston to Philadelphia, his first impressions of the city, and his initial work with printers Bradford and Keimer.

IV: First Visit to Boston

Returns to Boston after seven months, better dressed and with money, seeking his father's support for a printing business.

First Visit to London

Works as a compositor and pressman in London, writes a pamphlet on liberty and necessity, and forms intellectual acquaintances.

VII: Beginning Business in Philadelphia

Returns to Philadelphia, starts his own printing business, forms the Junto, and reflects on his moral principles.

Business Success and First Public Service

Narrates his advocacy for paper currency, his printing business, and the founding of the library.

Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection

Author of the plan for moral perfection; devises a system of thirteen virtues and daily self-examination.

X: Poor Richard’s Almanac and Other Activities

Author and narrator; publishes Poor Richard's Almanac, runs a newspaper, studies languages, and becomes clerk of the General Assembly and postmaster.

Interest in Public Affairs

Narrator and central figure; turns to public affairs, reforms the watch, founds the Union Fire Company, and reflects on his business and friendship with Whitefield.

XII: Defense of the Province

Author and narrator; proposes academy, founds Philosophical Society, writes 'Plain Truth', organizes militia, invents fireplace.

XIII: Public Services and Duties (1749–1753)

Drives the establishment of the academy, negotiates the building acquisition, enters public service, and proposes civic improvements.

Albany Plan of Union

Projected and drew the Albany Plan of Union, presented it to the Congress, and later discussed it with Governor Shirley.

XV: Quarrels with the Proprietary Governors

Narrator and Assembly member who drafts responses to the governor and devises a method to fund Massachusetts' expedition.

XVI: Braddock’s Expedition

Narrator and central figure; procures wagons for Braddock, serves as commissioner for defense funds, and writes a dialogue to promote a voluntary militia.

XVII: Franklin’s Defense of the Frontier

Takes charge of frontier defense, raises troops, builds forts, and later becomes colonel of the Philadelphia regiment.

Scientific Experiments

Narrator and central figure; conducts electric experiments, corresponds with Collinson, and gains international recognition.

Agent of Pennsylvania in London

Appointed agent for the Assembly, negotiates with Governor Denny and Lord Loudoun, and later meets with the proprietaries in London.

Endnotes

The subject of the endnotes, with references to his moral perfection plan, his lack of business order in France, and his views on church attendance.