In Animal Farm, what does the Battle of the Cowshed reveal about Snowball, Boxer, and Mollie?

Snowball displays his military genius and commitment during the Battle of the Cowshed by developing and executing an effective defense strategy that prevents Mr. Jones and his men from retaking the farm. After studying a book on Julius Caesar's campaigns, Snowball influences Mr. Jones and his men to charge directly into an ambush. During the battle, Snowball displays his valor and tenacity by continuing to fight after being shot. Snowball never flees and charges directly towards Mr. Jones, who is hurled into a pile of dung.

In addition to Snowball's courage and grit, Boxer demonstrates his immaculate strength by kicking a stable lad from Foxwood in the skull, which leaves the boy lifeless on the ground. After Mr. Jones and his men scatter, Boxer displays his sensitive, compassionate nature by mourning the death of the stable lad. Fortunately, the boy survives Boxer's kick and flees the farm immediately. While Boxer demonstrates his sensitive side, Snowball displays his resolute personality by proclaiming,

"War is war. The only good human being is a dead one" (Orwell, 15).

At the end of the battle, the animals look for Mollie, who took cover in her manger during the entire conflict. Mollie's refusal to participate in the Battle of the Cowshed aligns with her selfish character. By refusing to fight on behalf of the animals, Mollie reveals that she is selfish and cowardly.

In Animal Farm, what do Boxer's and Mollie's actions at the Battle of the Cowshed reveal about their character?

Boxer is one of the heroes of the Battle of the Cowshed as he reared up and struck out with his hoofs.  The first one he hits is a person, no more than a boy, whom he hits so hard, the young man falls to the ground as if dead.  The sight of his powerful blows though, made the people pause allowing for the other animals to charge and run the people off the farm.  Afterwards, Boxer is very sad that he killed the young man. He cries and says he has no wish to take human life. Even after Snowball reminded him that this was war and in war, it was sometimes necessary to take the lives of others, Boxer repeats that he does not want to take a life, not even the life of his enemy.  During the Battle of the Cowshed, Mollie was noticeably missing.  At first the other animals feared something bad had happened to her, such as a kidnapping.  She was found, however, hiding in her stall.  She'd gone there as soon as the battle started.  This says a great deal about the personalities of the two characters.  Boxer is loyal, hard-working, and selfless.  He is not above putting himself in harm's way if it is for the betterment of his fellow beings.  Yet, he is also respectful of one's right to life. He is not brutal and he does not relish fighting.  He sees fighting simply as the only means to an end sometimes.  Mollie, on the other hand, is a coward.  She wants the benefits of others' sacrifice so that she can live in comfort.  She wants others to do the dirty work for her because she feels above those who do the work.  Orwell drew these characters, as are most of the others, as stereotypes.  Boxer is the average good citizen and soldier.  He does what is asked of him because he knows it's for everyone's benefit in the long run, even if it means sacrifice on his part.  He understands that sometimes, in order to get something, one has to work hard and give of oneself.  Mollie represents the typical selfish citizen, especially the upper class.  This group is typified by Orwell as not wanting to do the dirty work to get a good life for themselves.  They aren't willing to sacrifice, but they want to reap the benefits of those who do make all sacrifices, including the ultimate one.