Mr. Woodifield
Mr. Woodifield is introduced first in the story. A stroke has forced him into retirement and dependence on his wife and daughter. As a result, his social encounters in the city are confined to one day a week. He is portrayed as frail and slightly senile—a pitiful character in the boss' eyes.
The Boss
The boss is a friend of Mr. Woodifield and receives his social visits in his slick city office. In the first half of the story, he appears capable, strong, and masculine—the opposite of a reeling Mr. Woodifield. Yet halfway through the story, once his friend exits, the boss' inner life surfaces and he is revealed to be emotionally distraught.
The Boss' Son
The boss' son was a young man, ready to take over the boss' business, when he was sent off to war. He was killed in battle in Europe six years ago, an event that shattered the boss' life.
The Fly
The fly is a foil for Mansfield's examination of the boss' inner life. Faced with the scourge of the boss' ink, the fly cleans itself courageously time and time again until it can clean itself no longer.
Macey
Macey is the boss' office messenger. He is old and dependent on the boss for instruction.
