Can one easily compare a drunken lawyer to a French aristocrat drowned by his embarrassment of his old family name? Maybe a better question is; is one man's life meaningful because of one respectful deed, even after a lifetime teeming with bitterness? Sydney Carton represents the "Jackal" in the story, drunk and worthless, and yet does a seemingly ironic courageous act to redeem himself, similarly, Charles Darnay representing a hardworking and somewhat happy man, trying to escape his family name. In the novel, A Tale of Two Cities, written by Charles Dickens, Charles and Sydney show similarities and differences of certain characteristics with personality, courage, and love.

Sydney Carton displays himself early on in the novel as an impassive lawyer with a strong drinking habit. Speaking of himself, Sydney states "[I am a disappointed drudge,[...]I care for no man...