"A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens.

In Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, the reader is introduced to a variety of characters, each having his own characteristics and qualities. Two of the most important characters are introduced to the reader in Book II of the novel. These characters are Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton. When the reader is first introduced to these two characters, he has already been told that Darnay and Carton have strikingly similar appearances. The reader does …

…ends up making the ultimate sacrifice. Although these two characters have several distinct differences, the reader can understand why each plays the part that he plays in the novel and why the outcome is the only good realistic option possible. Charles Darnay gets to go home with his wife and child and Sydney Carton is put to death. Either way, both men realize the meaning of their lives and know what needs to be done.