# Benjamin Franklin — The American Crisis character guide

> Benjamin Franklin in The American Crisis by Thomas Paine.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Franklin, Dr. Franklin

**First appearance:** 0002-the-crisis-i

## Snapshot

The elder statesman whose diplomatic genius in France gave the Revolution its indispensable ally, cited by Paine as proof that virtue and genius can serve mankind.

## Who they are

Franklin represents the Revolution's most credible voice abroad, a man whose scientific fame and political cunning opened French coffers and hearts. Paine invokes him as evidence that America's cause attracts the best minds, not mere agitators. His presence in the narrative reassures readers that independence is not a reckless gamble but a project endorsed by the wisest men of the age.

## Relationships

### [Thomas Paine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_american_crisis_se/characters/thomas_paine)

_friendship_

Franklin and Paine were fellow revolutionary thinkers and writers who collaborated in promoting American independence.

## In the story

### [Editor’s Introduction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_american_crisis_se/chapters/editor-s-introduction)

Attested to the great effect of Paine's publications.

### [To the People of America](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_american_crisis_se/chapters/to-the-people-of-america)

Informed by Colonel Laurens and Paine of Deane's traitorous activities in France.

### [The Crisis XI: On the Present State of News](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_american_crisis_se/chapters/the-crisis-xi-on-the-present-state-of-news)

American minister in Paris whom the British secretly approached to disunite America from France.

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

Franklin is mentioned as a friend of Paine in England and as a patron who provided materials for a history of the revolution; he is also noted as a supposed author of 'Common Sense.'

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_american_crisis_se/characters/benjamin_franklin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_american_crisis_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_american_crisis_se/characters