Characters

• The Speaker (Poetic Persona): He is the voice of the poem. He thinks deeply about the people and their sacrifice.
• Countess Markievicz: She was once a rich lady. She joined the rebels and became brave.
• Patrick Pearse: He was a teacher and poet. He became a leader of the rising.
• Thomas MacDonagh: He was also a teacher and writer. He joined the fight for freedom.
• John MacBride: He was the husband of Maud Gonne. The speaker did not like him, but still honors his sacrifice.
• James Connolly: He was a strong rebel leader. He fought and died for Ireland.
• Ordinary People (The Unknown Rebels): They were normal people before. But their sacrifice made them heroes.