KEY LITERARY ELEMENTS

SETTING

The novel is set in Hertfordshire, where Orwell lived, wrote, tended his garden, and kept poultry. Though the setting is the South of England, it is not stressed in the story, but serves only as a background. The farm lends a perfect rural, pastoral, and nostalgic backdrop for Old Major's dream.

CHARACTER LIST

Old Major

An old boar that dreams of a better life and incites the animals to overthrow man. He is the inspiring force behind the Rebellion and founding of Animal Farm.

Snowball

A young, intelligent, persuasive, and important boar known for his oratory skills. He is expelled by Napoleon.

Napoleon

An ambitious, power-hungry, ruthless and eminent boar who stoops to any level to gain his goal.

Boxer

A big, powerful, honest, and devoted carthorse who does not have many brains but always comes forward whenever any hand work is needed.

Clover

A motherly mare who is truly concerned about the welfare of the animals. She has a good shoulder to cry on and is a source of strength and confidence, especially to Boxer.

Benjamin

A cynical, skeptical donkey who believes everything remains the same with nothing ever changing.

Moses

A timid raven who entertains the animals with tales of 'a land of promises and better life on Sugarcandy Mountain.'

Mollie

A vain, unconcerned frivolous mare caring only for her own finery, pleasure, and comforts.

Squealer

A pig who is Napoleon's henchman and a very effective propagandist.

Jones

The irresponsible farm-owner who is overthrown by the animals.

Frederick

A tough, shrewd businessman involved in lawsuits and the owner of a small but well-kept farm.

Pilkington

An easy-going gentleman farmer who wastes most of his time in fishing and hunting.

Whymper

A not-so important solicitor who acts as a medium between humans and animals (especially Napoleon)

Table of Contents | Printable Version | Barron's Booknotes