The American Crisis · Character

Tories

American colonists loyal to Britain, denounced as traitors.

minor

Also known as Tories, the Tories, The Tories, Tory

First appearance: The Crisis I

Tories's tie to The Quakers is one of the pressures that moves The American Crisis—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

American loyalists criticized as cowards and traitors; Paine argues they are motivated by fear and urges their expulsion if they aid the enemy.

In the storyThe Crisis IOpen this moment free

Tories first appears in 0002 the crisis i.

With The Quakers (social): The Quakers and Tories shared pacifist or loyalist leanings, often interacting as fellow non-revolutionary groups. With America (rivalry): America, as the revolutionary entity, was in direct conflict with the loyalist Tories who supported British rule. With Britain (friendship): Britain relied on the Tories as loyalist allies within the American colonies during the war.

See Tories in The Crisis I Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

10 connections

A slice of how Tories sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Rivalry
Social
Friendship
Other

Character groups

British and Loyalist Opponents
Protagonist
Key Figures and Factions

+5 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the conflic…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

The Quakers
social · ambivalent
The Quakers and Tories shared pacifist or loyalist leanings, often interacting as fellow… How this plays out →
America
rivalry · negative
Britain
friendship · positive
Lord Howe
friendship · positive
America
rivalry · negative

The Quakers
The Quakers and Tories shared pacifist or loyalist leanings, often interacting as fellow non-revolutionary groups.
America
America, as the revolutionary entity, was in direct conflict with the loyalist Tories who supported British rule.
Britain
Britain relied on the Tories as loyalist allies within the American colonies during the war.
Lord Howe
Lord Howe, as a British peace commissioner, sought to negotiate with and gain support from the Tories.
America
America, as the revolutionary entity, was in direct conflict with the loyalist Tories who supported British rule.

Relationship notes

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

See Tories in The Crisis I

In the story

Tories appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Crisis I
American loyalists criticized as cowards and traitors; Paine argues they are motivated by fear and urges their expulsion if they aid the enemy.
The Crisis II: To Lord Howe
Loyalists in America, derided as weak and misguided, supporting British rule.
The Crisis III
Denounced as avaricious miscreants, hungry traitors, and crown dependants who have invited the enemy and done nothing for the cause.
The Crisis IV
Implicitly contrasted with the patriotic spirit, though not directly mentioned in the excerpt.
To the Inhabitants of America
Mentioned as enemies to be expelled, contrasted with Whigs who welcome patriots.
The Crisis VI: To the Earl of Carlisle, General Clinton, and William Eden, Esq., British Commissioners at New York
Contrasted with Whigs; described as having 'canine venom' and seeking revenge.
The Crisis Extraordinary
Mentioned as a label that would be sunk under the general term 'rebel' if Britain conquered America.
A Supernumerary Crisis
Implied as the refugees trained in wickedness by British commanders.
The Crisis XII: To the Earl of Shelburne
British loyalists in America who have lost influence and are being relocated.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Tories unlock in the free preview.

See Tories in The Crisis I