Shropshire Lad
This character is nameless and is only referred to as the Shropshire Lad, due to the fact that he lived in the town of Shropshire. He was a hardworking character who labored on the farms of his town and according to the poem's text, was a morally respectable character. However, this character has passed away, despite all the good they did.
Terence Hearsay
Terence Hearsay is the character who has brought glory and honor to his hometown, even in his death. He is an athletic and valiant character who worked hard enough to win the local races. We are able to distinguish him as an individual with a strong work ethic and a fierce drive of competitiveness.
Moses Jackson
Moses Jackson was a fellow student at Oxford with Housman and a former friend of Housman's as well. He is the main character in the poem 'Shake Hands, We Shall Never Be Friends' and 'Because I Liked You Better.' After finding out about Housman's homosexuality, something viewed as unnatural and repulsive in the Victorian era, Moses Jackson rejects him as a friend and companion. He even declines to extend an invitation to Housman during his wedding. We can see from this that Jackson is a cruel and prejudiced character.
God
God is referenced numerous times throughout various poems and represents the traditional Christian belief of God. Housman uses God as both protagonist and antagonist in his poems, especially those dealing with controversial ideas of the time.
Ned
Ned is a character in the poem 'Gates of Hell' and acts as a symbolic keeper of the gates. This character is a dark and fictional being set deep within the realm of the underworld and is the sentry for entry to Hell. Ned also holds a musket. In this poem we can see that Ned is a silent being, only watching the actions of the protagonist. This character is mysterious and unnerving.
