The Speaker: The speaker is the poet himself, Gerard Manley Hopkins. He watches a bird flying in the sky. He feels deep emotion and sees the bird as a sign of Christ’s glory. His words show wonder, faith, and spiritual joy.

The Windhover (Falcon): The windhover is a type of falcon. It flies high in the sky with great skill and beauty. The poet sees it as more than a bird. It becomes a symbol of power, control, and divine beauty. It also stands for Christ.

Christ (Symbolic): Christ is not directly shown but is present in spirit. The bird’s strong and graceful flight reminds the poet of Christ’s strength and sacrifice. The bird’s beauty and action reflect Christ’s glory.