The American Crisis · Character

Thomas Paine

A bankrupt corset-maker turned revolutionary firebrand who wrote the words that kept a collapsing army in the field.

major

Also known as Paine, whither Paine

As a major figure in The American Crisis, Thomas Paine is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Author of 'The American Crisis'; his Will refers to the work as having thirteen numbers, paralleling the American colonies.

In the storyEditor’s IntroductionOpen this moment free

Paine is the narrator and engine of The American Crisis, a man who traded private profit for the cause of independence and claimed he was made an author by America itself. His tension is between the patience a fractured, wavering public demands and his own impatience with compromise, cowardice, and the Tories who wish only for 'peace in my day.' He matters because his pen is the instrument that turns despair into resolve at the war's darkest hour.

See Thomas Paine in Editor’s Introduction Book page

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Character Web

10 connections

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Relationship types

Friendship
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Key Figures and Factions
British and Loyalist Opponents
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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Relationships

George Washington
friendship · positive
Thomas Paine's writings, especially 'The American Crisis', inspired and supported General… How this plays out →
Benjamin Franklin
friendship · positive
Cornwallis
rivalry · negative

Relationship notes

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

See Thomas Paine in The American Crisis

In the story

Thomas Paine appears across 21 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Editor’s Introduction
Author of 'The American Crisis'; his Will refers to the work as having thirteen numbers, paralleling the American colonies.
The American Crisis
Author and narrator of the essay, urging the colonists to continue the fight.
The Crisis I
Author and narrator; recounts his presence with troops at Fort Lee and his march to Pennsylvania, and delivers a passionate call to arms.
The Crisis II: To Lord Howe
Author of the Crisis, directly addressing Lord Howe and defending American independence.
The Crisis III
Author of the Crisis, writing from Philadelphia on April 19, 1777, and reflecting on his previous charitable approach to Tories.
The Crisis IV
Author of The Crisis IV, writing under the pseudonym 'Common Sense' to inspire resistance and fortitude.
The Crisis V: To Gen. Sir William Howe
Author of the Crisis, delivering a scathing indictment of the British king, ministry, and General Howe.
To the Inhabitants of America
Author of the essay, directly addressing the inhabitants of America and outlining military and civic plans.
The Crisis VI: To the Earl of Carlisle, General Clinton, and William Eden, Esq., British Commissioners at New York
Author of the Crisis VI, writing as 'Common Sense' to address British commissioners.
The Crisis VII: To the People of England
Author of the Crisis, addressing the people of England directly, drawing on his firsthand knowledge of America.
The Crisis VIII: Address to the People of England
Author of the address, directly admonishing the English people and warning them of the consequences of their government's actions.
The Crisis IX
Author of the Crisis IX, writing as 'Common Sense' from Philadelphia on June 9, 1780.
The Crisis Extraordinary
Author of the essay, presenting a detailed financial analysis and argument for taxation to support the war.
The Crisis X: On the King of England’s Speech
Author and commentator, delivering a scathing critique of the king's speech.
To the People of America
Author of the address; reflects on his past writings and his opposition to Silas Deane.
The Crisis XI: On the Present State of News
Author of the Crisis, writing under the pen name 'Common Sense' to address both America and the British ministry.
A Supernumerary Crisis
Author of the crisis, addressing Sir Guy Carleton directly.
The Crisis XII: To the Earl of Shelburne
Author of the Crisis series, directly addressing Lord Shelburne and critiquing British policy.
The Crisis XIII: Thoughts on the Peace, and Probable Advantages Thereof
Paine reflects on his role as an author for the cause of America, stating he avoided offices and party connections to serve the revolution, and takes leave of the subject as peace arrives.
A Supernumerary Crisis
Author of the piece, writing under the pseudonym 'Common Sense' to rally Americans against British trade restrictions.
Endnotes
Paine is the author of the Crisis essays; the endnotes detail his enlistment, his role as Secretary of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, and his interactions with other figures.

Chapter companion notes

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See Thomas Paine in The American Crisis

See Thomas Paine in Editor’s Introduction