Animal Farm Characters Sparknotes

Meet the Characters of George Orwell's Animal Farm

Essential Characters in a Classic

Napoleon

The ambitious and ruthless leader of the farm, Napoleon represents Joseph Stalin. Cunning and manipulative, he uses fear and propaganda to maintain control.

Snowball

Napoleon's rival, Snowball symbolizes Leon Trotsky. Intelligent and visionary, he is driven out of the farm by Napoleon's tyranny.

Boxer

A hardworking and loyal horse, Boxer represents the exploited proletariat. Devoted to the farm, he is ultimately betrayed and exploited.

Squealer

The persuasive pig who serves as Napoleon's mouthpiece, Squealer represents the propaganda machine that justified Stalin's actions.

Old Major

The visionary boar who inspires the animals to rebel, Old Major symbolizes Karl Marx. He represents the idealistic principles of revolution.