Characters
There are various character throughout the story. Some of the characters stay true throughout the story, but some of the characters change. In this section, you will learn about the characters.
Mr. Jones:
Mr. Jones was the original owner of the farm. After the animal rebellion, however, he was driven off the farm. Later on in the book, he tries to regain control over the farm, but does not succeed, and thereafter is never see again. Mr. Jones symbolizes Czar Nicholas II, because he is the leader before the revolution, like what happen in Russia.
Old Major:
Old Major was the character that introduced the idea of an animal rebellion to the other animals. He told them how life would be without human. He also told them that without human's, animal were to live equally. After his death, Napoleon and Snowball took charge of the animals, which began the rebellion. Old Major's views of a perfect socialist society were impossible, and therefore they failed in what the set out to do.
Moses:
Moses (Raven) was the only character who did not have to work in the times of Mr. Jones. He was also the only character who did not listen to Old Major's speeches. Moses represents Orwell's view of the church. Orwell uses Moses to criticize Marx's belief that the church will just go away after the revolution.
Snowball:
Snowball is one of the two pigs that gain leadership of the animal farm. He told the animals to build the windmill, because it would provide them with electricity, and warm stalls. However, after a while, it is discovered that Snowball is a spy for Mr. Jones, and the he was working with him from the very beginning. Later on in the book, Snowball also breaks down the half finished windmill, as an attempt to stop the animals from prospering. Snowball represents Trotsky to the exact. There is barely any difference between them.
Napoleon:
Napoleon was the second pig in charge of animal farm. However, after he drove Snowball off the farm, he became the only leader. At first he is a good leader, but afterwards becomes ruthless. Napoleon is Stalin himself. Being Stalin, he is also considered the main villain of the story.
Boxer / Clover:
Boxer and Clover are horses that represents the unskilled labor class in Russian society. Boxer and clover are used by Napoleon throughout the story for financial gain. Boxer is even made into glue, just so that Napoleon could have some extra money.
Squealer:
Squealer is the manipulator and the persuader of the farm. He is the one who is always making Napoleon look good, no matter what happens. Many people would say that squealer represents the Pravda, a Russian newspaper.
Mollie:
Mollie is a minor character, but plays a big part in the story. She is a character that doesn't really care about politics or rules. She just wants to wear ribbons and lick sugar. After she is confronted by animal who believe in the government, she quietly leaves the farm. She represents the people who aren't too receptive to new leaders and new economics.
Benjamin:
Benjamin is the oldest animal of the farm. He is a donkey. He is also one of the only characters who is not changed by the rebellion. He still does his work like he did before the rebellion. Benjamin represents the elder people, people who criticize any new rebellion or revolution.
Muriel:
Muriel is a knowledgeable goat, and reads the commandments for clover. She represents the minority working class, who are able to figure things out for themselves. However, she is not charismatic enough to rebel against Napoleon.
Pigs:
The pigs are the ones who surround and support Napoleon. They represent loyalists and friends of Stalin.
Dogs:
The dogs protect Napoleon, and do everything that he tells them to do. They represent the KGB, because they do everything that the KGB did.
Frederick:
Frederick becomes friends then enemies, then friends again throughout the book. He make many secret deals with Napoleon. Frederick can practically represent another country, because that is basically what Frederick is.
Pilkington:
Pilkington is another neighbor of Animal Farm. Napoleon decides to befriend him, therefore making him Napoleans ally.
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