Careless and slovenly if not debauched (Dickens, 72) is the very first description given to readers about Sydney Cartons appearance which is not your typical description of your everyday conventional superhero. At this point in the novel Carton is not at all a hero. He is barely a man, and furthermore, a significantly flawed man. He frequently alludes to the fact that his life has been wasted, stating that he cares for no man on earth and no man on earth cares for him (Dickens, 82). Shown frequently indulging alcohol, Carton is a drunk. He is depicted as wasting his cleverness and youth on passing time by drinking himself into laziness. He is no prince charming or knight in shining armor, however, Carton is not flawed to a point where he is dislikable. He has an affinity for alcohol, true, but he is never violent or profane. In fact, Cartons faults make him more of an admirable and relatable hero. Dickens early embellishment of Cartons imperfections sets the stage for his protagonists later actions and proves faults do not hinder heroism.
Carton is softened and chang
ed by his love for the beautiful Lucie Manette. He becomes acquainted with Lucie and Doctor Manette at the trial of Charles Darnay in London, and soon becomes a familiar face at the Manette home. One night, Carton opens up his whole heart to Lucie, as she later describes it, she sees his heart bleeding. Though deeply in love with her, he fully realizes that he is not worthy of her. Many men so violently in love would pursue the women whom they loved, regardless of anything but their own feelings. Carton is different in this respect. He honestly tells her that even if she had returned his love, he would have been conscious& that he would bring her misery, bring her sorrow and repentance, blight her, disgrace her, pull her down with him (Dickens, 45). Knowing that he is unable to make Lucie happy, Carton is enough of a man to step aside. It is his heroism alone that prompts him to let his rival marry the girl he loves all because he knows it is whats best for her. Through his passionate love for Lucie, Carton grows in strength of heart and begins to demonstrate heroism.