# Thomas Paine — Table-Talk character guide

> Thomas Paine in Table-Talk by William Hazlitt.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Paine, Mr. Thomas Paine

**First appearance:** 0005-volume-i-character-of-cobbett

## Who they are

Political writer and revolutionary, referenced in political commentary.

## Relationships

### [William Cobbett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/characters/william_cobbett)

_rivalry_

Cobbett initially attacked Paine's radicalism but later became a defender of his legacy, reflecting a complex ideological rivalry.

## In the story

### [Character of Cobbett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-i-character-of-cobbett)

Compared to Cobbett; noted for his sententious style and fixed principles, in contrast to Cobbett's reliance on details and lack of system. Cobbett brought Paine's relics from America but later disavowed his political and theological views.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/characters/thomas_paine
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/characters