How did the Colonial responses to the idea of independence differ?

When King George III began taxing the colonists on various commodities, there were three general reactions.  Some were enraged and wanted to declare independence from England.  These people were later called Patriots.  Others were also enraged, but remained loyal to the King and wanted to peaceably settle the matter of taxation without representation.  Still others were less enraged and stayed staunchly loyal to the King.   These last two groups were called Loyalists.

After the Continental Congress declared independence from England and the King, people were generally divided into two groups.  People either sided with the Patriots, who wanted the Thirteen Colonies to govern themselves without interference, or the Loyalists, who wanted the Colonies to remain under the governance of the King.  Those who were Patriots believed the King to be a tyrant.  They wished to create their own government, which would be different than England's government.  Those who were Loyalists wanted restoration and reconciliation with England.  They had no wish for independence from what many considered their Motherland.