C. J. Stryver is a character in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens as well as in the ten television and film versions of the story. He is a barrister in London, with the character Sydney Carton working under him.
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"C.J." is not Mr. Stryver's first and middle initials, as many believe, In the book, Dickens once refers to the barrister as "Stryver, C.J."; however, at the time, Stryver is rehearsing his part in a future case, during which he plays the parts of both plaintiff and defense counsel. He also realizes that the jury would have no choice but to decide in his favor and that he, "Stryver, C.J., was satisfied that no plainer case could be." It is clear that C.J. are not his initials. They most likely stand for "Chief Justice."
Dickens based the character on Edwin James, Q.C., a counsel whom Dickens had observed in "only one sitting."[1]
He first appears in the novel as counsel for the defense of Charles Darnay.[2] He then reappears in Sydney Carton's introductory chapter as his friend, drinking companion, and partner in law.[3] He later tells Sydney that he intends to marry Lucie Manette; however, after consulting Jarvis Lorry he decides against it.[4] At Tellson's bank in Chapter 24, Charles Darnay says that he knows the Marquis St. Evremonde, and Stryver says "I am sorry a man who instructs youth knows him,"[5] when in actuality the Marquis St. Evremonde is Charles himself.
Wayne Schroder played C. J. Stryver in "the Broadway-aimed musical by Jill Santoriello."[6]