Ringmaster
The Ringmaster is the leader of the circus show. His main function in the story is to ensure that money is made, that the bottom line is protected at all costs. In the end, once Mary has been killed he has her dug up so that her tusks can be removed and used to make money back on the price it cost to purchase her.
Trainer
The Trainer is the person most connected to Mary. He has spent the most time with her and though he objects to the new young man from riding Mary in the parade his opinion is squashed. The Trainer is the one who leads Mary to her death in the end.
Marshal
The people of Erwin are protected by the Marshal. He doesn't like the circus coming into town as all of the carnies rob the townies. He and his men try to shoot Mary when she kills the Young Man, and is completely for the killing of Mary by hanging. He sees her death as exemplifying the American Dream as in America "we" can do anything.
Muddy Townsperson
The Muddy Townsperson is a widow who is haunted by the events of Mary's death. The mud upon her represents the stain of the day Mary was hung and how it has never been able to be washed clean from her nor the people of Erwin.
Ballet Girl
The Ballet Girl represents the seduction used by the circus to lure men into their event. She is personally affected by the tragedy of Mary as the elephant would hoist her in the air with her trunk every night.
Tour Manager
The Tour Manager allows the new employee of the circus to ride Mary in the parade in Erwin against the Trainer's advice. He is a bully and ensures that regardless of the tragedy of Mary's killing that the show must go on.
