
Animal Farm Character List 🐖
- Old Major Old Major, also called Willingdon Beauty, is a prize-winning boar, is one of the major characters in the novel. ...
- Napoleon ‘Napoleon’ is an imaginary character created by George Orwell based on ‘Joseph Stalin.’ ...
- Snowball Snowball’s character in the novel is largely based on Leon Trotsky. ...
- Boxer ...
- Benjamin ...
- Squealer ...
- Clover ...
- Mr Jones ...
Who are the characters in Animal Farm?
From the brutal totalitarian Napoleon (a stand-in for Joseph Stalin) to the principled, inspiring Old Major (who combines qualities of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin), each character can be understood through a historical lens. Napoleon is a large pig (a Berkshire Boar) who lives on Manor Farm. He is an early leader of the animal revolution.
Is Napoleon from Animal Farm based on a true story?
Napoleon’s character is based on Joseph Stalin and the rise of the Soviet Union. Napoleon tends to resort to military force to intimidate the other animals into submission and support of his politics. Snowball Animal Farm – The pig who challenges Napoleon after the Rebellion.
Who is the leader of Animal Farm after the rebellion?
Napoleon - The pig who emerges as the leader of Animal Farm after the Rebellion. Based on Joseph Stalin, Napoleon uses military force (his nine loyal attack dogs) to intimidate the other animals and consolidate his power. In his supreme craftiness, Napoleon proves more treacherous than his counterpart, Snowball.
Who is the most treacherous character in Animal Farm?
In his supreme craftiness, Napoleon proves more treacherous than his counterpart, Snowball. Read an in-depth analysis of Napoleon. The pig who challenges Napoleon for control of Animal Farm after the Rebellion.
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Who is squealer in Animal Farm based on?
Who did Squealer represent in ''Animal Farm''? Squealer represents the Pravda and Vyacheslav Molotov. The Pravda was a Russian newspaper that Stalin used as a propaganda machine. Vyacheslav Molotov was one of Stalin's lead supporters and worked as an editor on the Pravda.
Who are the pigs in Animal Farm based on?
The young pigs – Four pigs who complain about Napoleon's takeover of the farm but are quickly silenced and later executed, the first animals killed in Napoleon's farm purge. Probably based on the Great Purge of Grigory Zinoviev, Lev Kamenev, Nikolai Bukharin, and Alexei Rykov.
Who is Snowball in Animal Farm based on?
Leon TrotskySnowball, fictional character, a pig who is one of the leaders of the revolt in Animal Farm (1945), George Orwell's allegorical tale about the early history of Soviet Russia. Most critics agree that Snowball represents Leon Trotsky.
Who is Stalin in Animal Farm based on?
Social and historical context. Napoleon is based on the Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin. Stalin was involved in the Russian Revolution of 1917 and came to rule Soviet Russia after the death of Vladimir Lenin in 1924. He ruled until his death in 1953.
Who is Mollie in Animal Farm based on?
In the story's allegory, Mollie represents the bourgeois middle class during the Russian Revolution. The middle class, like Mollie, enjoyed the luxuries in life and often weren't willing to give them up to join the fight. At the same time, they didn't exactly oppose the revolution, either.
Who is Muriel in Animal Farm based on?
While Muriel doesn't correspond to any one person, she can be seen as a representation of educated individuals who are able to interpret what's going on, but who don't have the charisma or the power to speak their minds. Get the entire Animal Farm LitChart as a printable PDF.
Who is Boxer in Animal Farm based on?
Boxer represents the peasant workers of Russia. They were exploited by the Tsar Nicholas II who ruled from 1894 until his expulsion in 1917. The workers were kept in a position where they never earned enough money to pay for food or accommodation.
Who does old Major represent?
Old Major is partly based on Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. Karl Marx was a German philosopher who lived during the 19th-century. His ideas formed the basis of communism - his ideas are collectively known as 'Marxism', like 'Animalism' in the novel.
Who represents Squealer?
A squeal is a sound that is used to represent the communication of pigs. In other words, Squealer represented the pigs in communication (propaganda). He is able to turn “black into white.” In modern day, Squealers are people who tell on others.
Who does clover represent in Animal Farm?
Like Boxer, Clover represents the proletariat. Clover is a loyal disciple of the Animalist revolution, right to the end of the story. She criticises Mollie for her betrayal of Major's ideals.
Who do the dogs represent in Animal Farm?
In the allegory Animal Farm, Orwell argues that governments can be corrupt; mostly seen through the symbolism of the dogs, the hens, and Boxer. Orwell uses the dogs to symbolize how governments use military force to intimidate society. Stalin used brutal military force to strike fear into his people.
Who represents Czar Nicholas II in Animal Farm?
Mr JonesMr Jones is a farmer, and the owner of Manor Farm. He represents the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas Alexandrovich Romanov (Nicholas II).
Who is Boxer in Animal Farm based on?
Boxer represents the peasant workers of Russia. They were exploited by the Tsar Nicholas II who ruled from 1894 until his expulsion in 1917. The workers were kept in a position where they never earned enough money to pay for food or accommodation.
Who do the puppies represent in Animal Farm?
Answer and Explanation: The puppies in Animal Farm represent Stalin's secret police force, a frightening group called the NKVD. They are taken from their families at a young and impressionable age, and then Napoleon trains them to obey him in all matters, indoctrinating them in his code.
Who represents Squealer?
A squeal is a sound that is used to represent the communication of pigs. In other words, Squealer represented the pigs in communication (propaganda). He is able to turn “black into white.” In modern day, Squealers are people who tell on others.
Who is Mr Jones in Animal Farm in real life?
Jones is an allegory for Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Jones is overthrown by the animals of his farm, who represent Bolshevik and liberal revolutionaries.
Why did George Orwell write Animal Farm?
George Orwell wrote ‘Animal Farm’ to express his critical perspective on Socialism, Dictatorship, and Totalitarian based on his observation of the Russian Revolution. Thus, he has crafted his characters in ‘ Animal Farm ‘ based on an individual or a set of people closely connected with the Soviet Revolution and what followed after.
Who is Napoleon based on?
Napoleon. ‘Napoleon’ is an imaginary character created by George Orwell based on ‘Joseph Stalin.’. The initial description says him as “a large, rather fierce-looking Berkshire boar” who is “not much of a talker” and has “a reputation for getting his own way”. He is the primary antagonist of the novel.
How old is Clover in the novel?
She symbolizes the women of the Revolution, who took care of the destitute and desolate children during the revolution. When the novel ends, Clover is 14 years old, still has not retired from work. Although she believed in Napoleon, she was suspicious at times and questioned his power silently.
Why did the pigs sell Boxer to the slaughterer?
When he becomes ill and no more of use to them, they sell him to the horse slaughterer so that they can buy more whisky. Even though, Benjamin sees the writing on the truck and alerts other animals that “They are taking Boxer to the knacker’s!” they could do nothing.
Who is Snowball in Animal Farm?
Snowball is a pig who lives on Manor Farm. He is original driving force behind the revolution. In fact, in the early part of the story, Snowball is preeminent over Napoleon. Snowball is also the chief architect of Animalism. Snowball is an intelligent, thoughtful pig who truly believes in Animalism and wants to make the farm into a paradise ...
What is Napoleon's role in the farm?
Napoleon becomes a totalitarian leader. He uses violence, intimidation, and outright deceit to seize and hold onto power on the farm. He is cruel and uncaring when it comes to the plight of his fellow animals, taking food and other supplies for himself without regard for others.
What parallels does Orwell draw between Boxer's experience and the experiences of workers in the early Soviet Union?
Napoleon and the other pig leaders barely value Boxer beyond his work. When Boxer is injured while defending the farm, he continues to work until he collapses.
Who is Jeff Somers?
Jeff Somers is an award-winning writer who has authored nine novels, over 40 short stories, and "Writing Without Rules," a non-fiction book about the business and craft of writing. In George Orwell's allegorical novel Animal Farm, the characters on the farm represent various elements of the Russian Revolution.
How does Snowball help animals?
Snowball also puts his time and energy into improving the lives of his fellow animals—for example, by trying to teach them to read and write, and by conceiving of the windmill project in order to generate electricity for the farm and to earn income to support them.
What is the name of the song that the animalists teach to the animals?
His philosophy concerning the tyranny of Man is named Animalism by his followers. He also teaches the song "Beasts of England" to the animals.
Who is Boxer in the Windmill?
Boxer A dedicated but dimwitted horse who aids in the building of the windmill but is sold to a glue-boiler after collapsing from exhaustion. Mollie A vain horse who prefers ribbons and sugar over ideas and rebellion. She is eventually lured off the farm with promises of a comfortable life.
Who is Benjamin in the book?
Benjamin A cynical, pessimistic donkey who continually undercuts the animals' enthusiasm with his cryptic remark, "Donkeys live a long time.". Moses A tame raven and sometimes-pet of Jones who tells the animals stories about a paradise called Sugarcandy Mountain. Bluebell, Jessie, and Pincher Three dogs.
Who is Snowball in the Rebellion?
Snowball A boar who becomes one of the rebellion's most valuable leaders. After drawing complicated plans for the construction of a windmill, he is chased off of the farm forever by Napoleon's dogs and thereafter used as a scapegoat for the animals' troubles.
What is the main idea of Animal Farm?
Animal Farm is a novella by George Orwell. It is his only work that is narrated by an anonymous figure that is not a part of the story. Orwell seems to have taken great care while crafting this obviously political allegorical story to keep his narrator unbiased and apolitical so that the story can shine for what it is. The protagonists in the story are many—the group of animals that have to fight against corruption in politics can all be considered protagonists. In the beginning, they must work to overthrow Mr. Jones, the human that rules over the farm. Mr. Jones is portrayed as lazy and cruel and expects to reap the benefits of the animals’ hard work. Once he is overthrown by the animals, the pigs form a political movement that helps them rise to power over the other animals. At this point, the pigs and their oppressive regime become the antagonist as the other animals find themselves realizing that their opposition is not necessarily the humans, but any entity or group that seeks too much power to the point where others suffer.
Who is Snowball Animal Farm based on?
Snowball Description. Snowball Animal Farm – The pig who challenges Napoleon after the Rebellion. Snowball is based on Leon Trotsky and is an intelligent and passionate orator.
What does Moses Animal Farm mean?
Moses Description. Moses Animal Farm – The raven who tells animals that Sugarcandy Mountain is where animals go after a life of hard labor. He says it is a paradise and is worth the hard work that animals endure in life before they pass on. He represents how communism manipulated religion in order to gain followers.
What is Napoleon's character based on?
Napoleon Animal Farm – The pig who becomes the leader after the Rebellion which overthrew Mr. Jones and the humans. Napoleon’s character is based on Joseph Stalin and the rise of the Soviet Union. Napoleon tends to resort to military force to intimidate the other animals into submission and support of his politics.
Who is the donkey in Animal Farm?
Benjamin Animal Farm – The donkey who, like Mollie , refused to feel inspired by the Rebellion. He believes that, no matter what, life on the farm will be unpleasant because either way the animals are working so that someone else can prosper. However, he never fully opposes the pigs.
Who is the prize boar in Animal Farm?
His vision represents a socialist utopia in which all are equal and all work together for a common good. Old Major represents Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin.
What is the purpose of Squealer Animal Farm?
Squealer Animal Farm – The pig who works to spread Napoleon’s propaganda. He serves as the justifying force for Napoleon’s corruption, working tirelessly to convince the animals that everything is great under Napoleon’s rulership even though it actually is worse in many ways.
What is the least intelligent animal on Animal Farm?
The Sheep. Some of the least intelligent animals on Animal Farm. They never become fully literate and can’t remember the Seven Commandments, but Snowball teaches them the maxim “Four legs good, two legs bad,” which they love… read analysis of The Sheep.
Who was the original owner of Manor Farm?
The original owner of Manor Farm. Once a strict and fierce master, in the years before the story begins, Mr. Jones became drunk, careless, and ineffective, as well as casually cruel and arrogant. Mr. Jones’s… read analysis of Mr. Jones
What is a squealer in Animal Farm?
Squealer. A fat pig who’s a skilled orator. Squealer works closely with Snowball and Napoleon at first—and later, just Napoleon—to interpret or distill what the pigs’ plan is for the other animals. Squealer is purportedly able… read analysis of Squealer. Get the entire Animal Farm LitChart as a printable PDF.
Who developed the theory of animalism?
At first, a friend and companion of Napoleon ’s. Together, Snowball and Napoleon develop the theory of Animalism from the ideas of Old Major ’s speech, and later they distill these ideas down into the… read analysis of Snowball.
Who is the antagonist in the book Napoleon?
Napoleon. The primary antagonist of the novel; a pig who is one of Old Major ’s disciples, along with Snowball. At first, Napoleon and Snowball work together to develop the ideology of Animalism and spread… read analysis of Napoleon.
Who is Mollie in The Rebellion?
Mollie. A vain, white horse who , prior to the rebellion, pulls Mr. Jones ’s cart. She loves sugar and wearing pretty ribbons in her mane, and she never cares much for the revolution—supporting it would mean… read analysis of Mollie.
Who compiled the comparisons in Animal Farm?
Comparisons compiled by George Lamont, as denoted on document. I found his comparisons online somewhere (I apologize that I can't remember; it's been three years at least), and I compiled the chart per the information he provided and added a few points from my own research. This is a great handout for use as a reference when studying the characters of Animal Farm and their significance to / representations in history.
What did Mollie think of Animal Farm?
Animal Farm: Mollie, Was vain – loved beauty and herself, Didn’t think about the Animal Farm, Went with anyone who gave her what she wanted Russian Revolution: Vain, selfish people in Russia and the world Some people didn’t care about revolution, Only thought about themselves, Went to other countries that offered more for them
What did Moses the Raven tell animals about?
Animal Farm: Moses the Raven, Tells animals about SugarCandy Mountain (Heaven), Animals can go there if they work hard, Snowball and Major were against him; They thought Heaven was a lie to make animals work, Napoleon let him stay because he taught animals to work and not complain Russian Revolution: Religion, Marx said “Opiate of the people” a lie, Used to make people not complain and do their work, Religion was tolerated because people would work, Stalin knew religion would stop violent revolutions
Who beats animals with a whip?
Animal Farm: Mr. Jones, Irresponsible to his animals (lets themstarve), Sometimes cruel – beats them with a whip, Sometimes kind – mixes milk in animal mash Russian Revolution: Czar Nicholas II, A poor leader at best, compared with western kings, Cruel – sometimes brutal with opponents, Sometimes Kind – hired students as spies to make money.
Who is Animal Farm based on?
Animal Farm, anti-utopian satire by George Orwell, published in 1945. One of Orwell’s finest works, it is a political fable based on the events of Russia’s Bolshevik revolution and the betrayal of the cause by Joseph Stalin.
Who does Animal Farm represent in Animal Farm?
Animal Farm, known at the beginning and the end of the novel as the Manor Farm, symbolizes Russia and the Soviet Union under Communist Party rule. But more generally, Animal Farm stands for any human society, be it capitalist, socialist, fascist, or communist.
Why is Animal Farm banned?
Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945) Before the book was even published it was rejected several times by publishers, as it was written during the UK’s wartime alliance with the Soviet Union. It was also temporarily banned in the UAE because of its talking pigs, seen to be against Islamic values.
What is the moral of Animal Farm?
One important moral of the “fable” of Animal Farm is the ease with which language can be manipulated and twisted for evil purposes. Orwell was a journalist who understood the power of words and the power of propaganda.
What do the 7 Commandments in Animal Farm symbolize?
The Seven Commandments of Animalism, written on the barn wall for all to see, represent the power of propaganda and the malleable nature of history and information when the people are ignorant of the facts.
What is the deeper meaning of Animal Farm?
Animal Farm is meant as a commentary on how humans act in society. Its deeper meaning is to alert ordinary people to how hard-hearted and unscrupulous leaders can take advantage of an entire population.
Who is the most powerful character in Animal Farm?
Napoleon. The pig who emerges as the leader of Animal Farm after the Rebellion. Based on Joseph Stalin, Napoleon uses military force (his nine loyal attack dogs) to intimidate the other animals and consolidate his power. In his supreme craftiness, Napoleon proves more treacherous than his counterpart, Snowball.

Napoleon
- Napoleon is a large pig (a Berkshire Boar) who lives on Manor Farm. He is an early leader of the animal revolution. Alongside Snowball, Napoleon leads the animals in chasing Mr. Jones and the other men off the farm; then, they establish the principles of Animalism. As he acquires more power, Napoleon becomes more cutthroat. He raises a group of pup...
Snowball
- Snowball is a pig who lives on Manor Farm. He is original driving force behind the revolution. In fact, in the early part of the story, Snowball is preeminent over Napoleon. Snowball is also the chief architect of Animalism. Snowball is an intelligent, thoughtful pig who truly believes in Animalism and wants to make the farm into a paradise for free animals. He designs the seven or…
Boxer
- Boxer, a powerfully-built workhorse, is kind and determined, but not very bright. Boxer commits to Animalism and works as hard as he can for the betterment of the farm. His incredible strength is a huge asset to the farm as a whole. Boxer believes that the leadership of the pigs, especially Napoleon, is always correct; he throws his efforts wholeheartedly into every project, believing th…
Squealer
- Squealer is a pig who emerges as Napoleon’s chief enforcer and propagandist. He is an eloquent speaker who pacifies the other animals with grandiose speeches that bend or ignore the truth. For example, he describes Boxer’s death in emotional, heroic terms—a far cry from the truth, which is that Boxer was sold to the glue factory and slaughtered. Usually considered a stand-in for Vyach…
Moses
- Moses is the pet raven owned by Mr. Jones. He is a wonderful speaker and story-teller. Moses initially flees the farm with Mr. Jones, but he later returns. He regales the animals with stories of Sugarcandy Mountain; according to Moses, that's where animals go in the afterlife to enjoy a glorious, leisure-filled eternity. Moses represents the potential of organized religion to maintain t…
Old Major
- Old Major is the prize-winning boar who initially inspires the revolution. He represents a combination of Karl Marx (who established the original precepts of communism) and Vladimir Lenin (the intellectual force behind the Bolshevik Revolution). When Old Major dies, his skull is preserved and put on display; much in the same way, Lenin’s body was embalmed and turned in…
Mr. Jones
- Mr. Jones is the farmer in charge of Manor Farm at the start of the novel. He is a cruel, incompetent, and often drunk leader. His neglect of the animals is what first inspires the animals' violent revolt. Mr. Jones represents Tsar Nicholas II, the incompetent ruler of Imperial Russia who abdicated in 1917 and was killed along with his entirely family. His return in an attempt to re-tak…