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Old Major:
- Role: Old Major is a boar who inspires the rebellion against Mr. Jones, representing Karl Marx in the historical context.
- Analysis: Old Major serves as the catalyst for change, delivering the principles of Animalism. His character symbolizes the intellectual foundations of communism and the desire for equality.
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Napoleon:
- Role: Napoleon is a Berkshire boar who represents Joseph Stalin and the rise of totalitarianism.
- Analysis: Napoleon is cunning, power-hungry, and manipulative. His character reflects the betrayal of the revolution’s ideals and the emergence of a dictatorial regime. He employs propaganda and brutality to maintain control.
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Snowball:
- Role: Snowball is another pig and represents Leon Trotsky, a key figure in the Russian Revolution.
- Analysis: Snowball is intelligent, visionary, and an advocate for the principles of Animalism. His character highlights the intellectual and visionary aspects of leadership. However, he is eventually betrayed by Napoleon, mirroring Trotsky’s fate.
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Boxer:
- Role: Boxer is a loyal and strong cart-horse, symbolizing the working class.
- Analysis: Boxer represents the dedicated labor class that supports the revolution. His tragic fate, sent to the glue factory when he is no longer useful, underscores the exploitation of the working class by those in power.
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Squealer:
- Role: Squealer is a pig who serves as Napoleon’s propagandist.
- Analysis: Squealer symbolizes the role of propaganda in maintaining a totalitarian regime. He distorts facts, manipulates language, and deceives the other animals, reflecting the abuse of information to control the masses.
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Mr. Jones:
- Role: Mr. Jones is the irresponsible farmer who represents the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II.
- Analysis: Mr Jones symbolizes the oppressive ruling class that exploits the working class. His overthrow is the starting point of the revolution, highlighting the failures of the aristocracy.
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Benjamin:
- Role: Benjamin is a donkey known for his scepticism and cynicism.
- Analysis: Benjamin represents, sceptical individuals who are aware of the corruption and hypocrisy but choose not to act. His character reflects the passive resistance or apathy that can allow oppressive regimes to persist.
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Mollie:
- Role: Mollie is a mare who represents the bourgeoisie or the upper-middle class.
- Analysis: Mollie is more concerned with personal comfort than the ideals of the revolution. Her character illustrates the class divisions and the challenge of maintaining unity among diverse socioeconomic groups.
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Clover:
- Role: Clover is a motherly mare who represents the nurturing and caring aspects of society.
- Analysis: Clover is compassionate and loyal, reflecting the genuine desire for a better society. Her character underscores the human qualities that the revolution aimed to preserve.
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Moses:
- Role: Moses is a tame raven who spreads tales of Sugar Candy Mountain, a paradise for animals.
- Analysis: Moses represents religion and the way it can be used to pacify and control the masses. His tales provide a distraction from the harsh realities of the farm.
