The Narrator
The narrator is an unnamed man, still an eligible bachelor. After a series of rejections from family, friends, and lovers he has convinced himself that nobody will love him if they stay with him long enough. Still, he, like all people, has a profound need for relationship, so he makes friends with the little boy, David. Throughout their friendship, the narrator becomes increasingly possessive of the child, even growing jealous of both parents. He desires to take on a paternal role in order to truly ensure David must owe him loyalty and devotion after he grows up.
David
David is a very young boy when he meets the narrator in Kensington Gardens. Without knowing any better, he believes everything the man tells him and agrees to keep their relationship a secret. As time wears on, David grows discontent with his own family life because they stifle him in a house, without any of the promise of adventure and wonder which the narrator offers. When David escapes, he intends to visit the gardens, but he loses his cool and begins doubting his ability to fly-- thus becoming unable to fly. He discovers his parents' "betrayal" when he finally flies home and sees a new baby in his place, confirming all of the narrator's lies to him all this time. David becomes a lost boy, latching onto that pain of rejection and growing permanently embittered toward his family and adulthood in general.
Mary
Mary is David's mother. Although she is only 26, she is described by David as having grown older already. She cares for her son with devotion, giving up her prized possessions to provide for the boy when money is tight. She enjoys keeping company with the narrator, but she dislikes owing him for the various gifts for David.
The Father
David's father is a rather absent figure. Preoccupied with necessary work, he's a constantly worried man. His burdens are heavy, so he often does not spend time with David. He loves his son dearly, however, devoting his time and energy to providing for his family. While he also enjoys the narrator's company, he remains clueless as to the other man's involvement with his son.
Solomon
Solomon is the mysterious old man whom David meets when he escapes into Kensington Gardens. He teaches the young boy a continuation of the narrator's legend about babies and birds. He seems to imply that David has already crossed an unrecoverable threshold when he left his nursery.
