Thomas Paine

Edmund Burke

Burke and Paine were fierce ideological opponents, with Burke's conservative critique of the French Revolution directly countered by Paine's radical defense in 'Rights of Man'.

Thomas Rickman

Paine and Rickman were close friends and allies, with Rickman often supporting Paine's publishing efforts and personal welfare.

King John

King John and Paine were antagonists, likely representing monarchical opposition to Paine's republican and revolutionary ideas.

Benjamin Franklin

Franklin and Paine shared a warm mentor-friend relationship, with Franklin encouraging Paine's emigration to America and supporting his early career.

Louis XVI

Louis XVI and Paine were ideological enemies, with Paine advocating for the king's overthrow and execution during the French Revolution.

George Chalmers

Chalmers, writing under a pseudonym, authored a hostile biography of Paine, making them bitter literary adversaries.

George Washington

Washington and Paine were allies during the American Revolution, with Paine's writings bolstering morale and Washington's leadership.

Edmund Burke

Burke and Paine were fierce ideological opponents, with Burke's conservative critique of the French Revolution directly countered by Paine's radical defense in 'Rights of Man'.

Louis XVI

Louis XVI and Paine were ideological enemies, with Paine advocating for the king's overthrow and execution during the French Revolution.

King John

King John and Paine were antagonists, likely representing monarchical opposition to Paine's republican and revolutionary ideas.

Editor's Introduction

Central figure of the introduction; author of 'Rights of Man,' inventor of an iron bridge, advocate of republican principles and peaceful revolution, friend of Jefferson and Lafayette.

The Rights of Man

Author and central figure, arguing for the rights of man and against Burke's critique.

Part First: Being an Answer to Mr. Burke’s Attack on the French Revolution

Author and primary voice of the chapter, defending the French Revolution.

Dedication

Author of the treatise, presenting it in defense of freedom and expressing a prayer for the New World to regenerate the Old.

Paine's Preface to the English Edition

Paine narrates his own actions, including writing to Burke, promising to answer Burke's pamphlet, and attempting to foster peace between England and France.

Paine's Preface to the French Edition

Author of the preface, addressing the French edition.

Rights of Man

Paine writes the chapter as a direct response to Burke, defending the principles of the French Revolution and natural rights.

Miscellaneous Chapter

Paine presents his own arguments against hereditary government, advocating for the right of each generation to choose its own form of government.

Conclusion

Author of the chapter; presents the concluding arguments for republican government and against hereditary monarchy.

Part Second: Combining Principle and Practice

Author and primary voice, arguing for the union of principle and practice in government.

French Translator’s Preface (1792)

Praised as 'that man of freedom' who preached 'Common Sense' to the world; described as an uncorrupted friend of freedom, single-minded and austere, bred away from courts.

To M. de la Fayette

Author of the treatise; expresses his renewed public engagement and desire to hasten the spread of revolutionary principles.

Ways and Means of Improving the Condition of Europe: Interspersed with Miscellaneous Observations

Author of the chapter, advocating for peaceful reform and European alliances.

Appendix

Author of the work, recounts the printer's refusal and the suspicious circumstances surrounding the delay.

Endnotes

Author of the endnotes; reflects on his own political writings and career.