Sir William Keith
Governor of Pennsylvania who initially encourages Franklin's printing aspirations.
Core Belief
"Political expediency and personal advancement are paramount. He believes in using charm and influence to achieve his goals, even if it means making insincere promises."
Worldview
Sees the world as a game of power and influence, where appearances and connections are more important than substance. Views people as instruments to be used for his own advancement.
Personality
Charming, persuasive, and ambitious, but ultimately unreliable. He is skilled at flattery and making promises, but lacks the follow-through to fulfill them. He seems to enjoy the company of intelligent young people, but his actions are often self-serving.
In Their Own Words
"I appear'd a young man of promising parts, and therefore should be encouraged; the printers at Philadelphia were wretched ones; and, if I would set up there, he made no doubt I should succeed; for his part, he would procure me the public business, and do me every other service in his power."
"And since he will not set you up, says he, I will do it myself. Give me an inventory of the things necessary to be had from England, and I will send for them. You shall repay me when you are able; I am resolv'd to have a good printer here, and I am sure you must succeed."
"He was too prudent. There was great difference in persons; and discretion did not always accompany years, nor was youth always without it."
Discussions with Sir William Keith
Other Characters from Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
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