Orwell, George: 1903-1950

Animal Farm, 1945 - Characters

  • Old Major: A prize-winning boar who inspires the rebellion with his vision of a society where animals rule themselves.

    Napoleon: A large Berkshire boar who becomes the leader of the farm after the rebellion. He represents Joseph Stalin and embodies authoritarianism.

    Snowball: A pig who challenges Napoleon for control of the farm and represents Leon Trotsky. He is intelligent and inventive.

    Boxer: A loyal and hardworking cart-horse known for his motto, "I will work harder!" He represents the working class and is ultimately betrayed by the pigs.

    Squealer: A persuasive and manipulative pig who serves as Napoleon's spokesperson. He represents propaganda and the manipulation of truth.

    Benjamin: A cynical donkey who is skeptical about the revolution from the beginning. He represents the skeptical and disillusioned individuals in society.

    Mollie: A vain and materialistic horse who is more concerned with ribbons and sugar than with the revolution. She represents the bourgeoisie or upper class who are indifferent to political change.

    Mr. Jones: The drunken farmer who originally owns Manor Farm. He represents Tsar Nicholas II and symbolizes the oppressive ruling class.

    Developed by AI

  • What or who does each character represent? Information from Tristan and the Classics:

    Character Represents Character Represents
    Napoleon Stalin Snowball Trotsky
    Squealer Molotov Boxer Stakhanov
    Mollie Upper middle class Clover Commoners who perceive corruption
    Moses The church Benjamin Those who know history but are skeptical
    Four pigs Bikharin, Kamenzev, Zanoview, Rykow Piglets Generation under Stalin's dictatorship
    Sheep Easily persuaded masses - believe in the government Mr. Frederick, Mr. Pilkington Germany, United KIngdom