The Patriot (The Speaker): The Patriot is the main and only speaking character in the poem. He was once a hero loved by everyone in his town. People decorated the streets with “roses, roses all the way” to welcome him. But now, only one year later, he is being taken to be executed. He represents a person who did great deeds for his people but was later betrayed and punished. Through his words, we see his sadness, disappointment, and faith in God.

The Crowd / The People: The crowd plays an important silent role in the poem. A year ago, they loved and celebrated the patriot. They filled the streets with flowers and cheers. But now, they have turned against him. They throw stones at him. This change shows how public opinion can change very quickly. The crowd represents society’s fickle nature and false judgment.

God (Spiritual Character): Though unseen, God is the final listener in the poem. At the end, the patriot says, “’Tis God shall repay: I am safer so.” He believes that even if the world has judged him wrongly, God will reward him justly in heaven. God represents divine justice, hope, and peace after suffering.