Belcher
Belcher is a tall Englishman captured by Irish rebels. He is a courteous and reserved man who assists the elderly woman with her household tasks. When faced with his impending execution, Belcher discloses more about himself in a few minutes than he had during the entire time spent with his captors. Unlike Hawkins, he maintains his dignity and composure throughout.

Bonaparte
Bonaparte serves as the story's narrator. His relationship with prisoners Hawkins and Belcher evolves from captor-captive to genuine friendship. Upon learning that Hawkins and Belcher are to be executed, Bonaparte is distressed by the role he must play. The executions profoundly affect him, and he later remarks, ‘‘anything that happened to me afterward, I never felt the same about again.’’

Jeremiah Donovan
Jeremiah Donovan is the commanding officer of the Irish rebel group. Unlike Bonaparte and Noble, he does not see the English prisoners as friends. He informs Bonaparte of the planned executions and is surprised by his reaction, saying, ‘‘What else did you think we were keeping them for?’’ Donovan is the one who fires the gun during the execution.

Feeney
Feeney is an intelligence officer who brings the order that the Englishmen are to be executed. He assists with the executions and leaves immediately after the men are buried. His name is derived from the Fenian Society, a secret organization that fought for Irish independence from British rule.

Hawkins
Hawkins is the second English prisoner. He is smaller and more talkative than Belcher, frequently engaging Noble in discussions about religion and politics. When informed of his impending execution, Hawkins reacts with complete disbelief. He considers his captors his ‘‘pals’’ and argues that if the roles were reversed, he would never shoot them.

Noble
Noble is one of the Irish rebels. He enjoys debating politics and theology with Hawkins. When informed of the plan to deceive Hawkins and Belcher by telling them they are ‘‘being shifted again,’’ Noble refuses to participate in the lie and instead goes ahead to dig the graves. After the executions, he prays with the old woman, kneeling by the fireplace.

The Old Woman
The old woman owns the cottage where the events unfold, managing the household and feeding the men. Despite her sharp tongue and cranky demeanor, she grows fond of Belcher due to his help with chores. After the executions, she kneels in the doorway and prays.