The Speaker (Poet/Traveler) – The speaker of the poem is a lonely traveler who stops by the woods to watch the snow falling. He is thoughtful and calm. The quiet beauty of the woods makes him feel peaceful. But it also tempts him to forget his duties and rest forever. The woods symbolize peace or even death. But the speaker finally decides to continue his journey because he remembers his promises and responsibilities in life.

The Horse – The horse is the speaker’s companion on this cold evening. The horse is surprised that the speaker has stopped in such a cold, lonely, and dark place. The horse shakes its harness bells as if asking the poet why he has stopped. The horse is the voice of reason, which reminds the poet to carry on his journey in the path of life.

The Owner of the Woods (Unseen Character) – The poet mentions that the woods belong to someone who lives in the village. The owner will not see the poet stopping there. It means the woods are dark and quiet, far away from human life.