The Hireling
The hireling is described as a young and handsome lad who quickly gains the favor of the farmer and his cows. He is shown to be hardworking and quick to learn the ways of the farm. Overall, he is described as being a good person who does not deserve to endure the fate he does, which makes his presence in the poem bittersweet.
The Farmer
The farmer is shown to be an unreliable narrator, one who is prone to superstition and belief in Irish myths. He is, potentially, a closeted gay man, but represses his feelings by killing the hireling. Despite attempting to justify his actions, it is clear that the farmer is a selfish and callous man who took the life of an innocent young lad.
