* Sydney Carton: This is a popular choice. He begins as a dissipated, cynical lawyer who seems to lack purpose. Through his love for Lucie Manette and his growing empathy for the oppressed, he undergoes a profound transformation, sacrificing his life for others and achieving a kind of redemption. His change is arguably the most dramatic and emotionally impactful.
* Charles Darnay: He starts as an arrogant, entitled aristocrat, unaware of the suffering around him. His experiences in France, particularly his near-execution and his subsequent commitment to helping the downtrodden, lead to a genuine change in his character. He becomes more humble, compassionate, and dedicated to social justice.
* Dr. Manette: He suffers a traumatic imprisonment, which leaves him mentally scarred. The love of his daughter and the chance to reclaim his life help him to heal and recover his lost identity. His journey is more about regaining what he has lost than a complete change in character, but it is nonetheless a significant transformation.
* Madame Defarge: She is a powerful, vengeful figure driven by the suffering she has witnessed. While she doesn't undergo a significant personal change, her actions contribute to the upheaval and bloodshed of the French Revolution, making her a powerful symbol of the forces of change in the novel.
Ultimately, the "most changed" character is subjective and depends on what aspects of change you prioritize:
* Internal change: Sydney Carton shows the most internal transformation, going from self-absorbed to selfless.
* External change: Charles Darnay experiences the most significant shift in his public persona and social role.
* Impact on society: Madame Defarge's unwavering commitment to revolution has the most significant impact on the world of the novel.
In conclusion, each character experiences change in different ways, making it a complex and engaging aspect of Dickens's masterpiece.