He is a British gentleman banker who has spent over sixty years among the dark and misty shelves of the famous Tellson's Bank in London, constantly masking himself as if he were born to work and as if his life's only function were the interests of this bank and a mechanized sense of duty. However, beneath this conservative and emotionless man of rules lies an extremely fatherly heart full of affection and honor. Throughout the story, beginning with bringing Lucie Manette to safety 17 years ago, taking her back to France to retrieve her father, and bearing the brunt of Tellson's Bank's crises during the revolution years to be a harbor for the whole family despite his aged heart, he is always the voice of reason. He is the secret supporter of Charles Darnay and Lucie's love; he is a guardian who never leaves old Doctor Manette alone, even during his mental crises. Amidst all the brutality and destruction, he is a noble companion of life who bases trust on the purity of conscience rather than the order of the law.
Almost his entire life was shaped within Tellson's Bank, placing this institution above his own family; however, after witnessing the financial affairs of the Doctor—who was a French citizen— years ago and the destruction of his family, he buried his feelings into chests while carrying the tiny baby. Although aged, he has always been the reliable English-based vault of old secrets.
He is over sixty. He is a respectable elderly man who wears clean, well-tailored clothes, has a steady gait, and wears pinstriped garments that suggest a workaholic nature, along with a grey, healthy, and small wig. He never compromises his old-fashioned elegance, even down to his carefully knitted brown silk stockings.
Miss Pross
His honorable fellow knight with whom he forms a companionship with light teasing but extraordinary respect, without shaking the female-dominated authority in the house.
Lucie Manette
His angel-like little bird, whom he raised as his own daughter from her mother's embrace, whom he worships, and for whose sake he would even cast aside the banking system.
Charles Darnay
His dear son-in-law, whom he considers a son whose youthful courage he believes in, and whose life he values at the request of Tellson's.
Dr. Alexandre Manette
The friend, confidant, and patient he rescued from captivity and guided toward mental well-being, finding peace at the same table.