The pig who spreads the propaganda among the other animals. This character justifies the pigs’ monopolization of resources and spreads false statistics pointing to the farm’s success. Orwell uses this character to explore the ways in which those in power often use rhetoric and language to twist the truth and gain and maintain social and political control.
Squealer
200
Being in complete agreement
unanimous
200
Determination; resolve
resolution
200
puzzling, mystifying, or enigmatic
cryptic
200
strained or wrenched out of normal shape
distorted
200
Feeling hatred; scornful
contempt
300
The prize-winning boar whose vision of a socialist utopia serves as the inspiration for the Rebellion. Three days after describing the vision and teaching the animals the song “Beasts of England,” this character dies. Orwell based this character on both the German political economist Karl Marx and the Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin.
Old Major
300
A possible danger or threat; to endanger or utter threats against
menace
300
To act or walk about in a lively manner
prance
300
Get; obtain
procure
300
The pig who challenges Napoleon for control of Animal Farm after the Rebellion. Based on Leon Trotsky, this character is intelligent, passionate, eloquent, and less subtle and devious than other characters.
Snowball
400
Expressiveness; persuasive speech
eloquence
400
Happily, lighthearted, cheerful
Blithely
400
A general truth or rule of conduct; a short saying
maxim
400
Distant, reserved in manner; uninvolved
aloof
400
An engine powered by the wind designed to produce energy from an inexhaustible source.
windmill
500
Which animal is the leader on Animal Farm? This character is based on Joseph Stalin.
Napoleon
500
The cart-horse whose incredible strength, dedication, and loyalty play a key role in the early prosperity of Animal Farm.
Boxer
500
A good-hearted cart-horse. This character often
suspects the pigs of violating one or another of the Seven Commandments.
Clover
500
The often drunk farmer who runs the Manor Farm before the animals stage their rebellion and establish Animal Farm. This character is an unkind master who indulges himself while his animals lack food; he thus represents Tsar Nicholas II, whom the Russian Revolution ousted.
Mr. Jones
500
The vain, flighty mare who pulls Mr. Jones’s carriage. This character craves the attention of human beings and loves being groomed and pampered. This character has a difficult time with the new life on Animal Farm. This character represents the wealthy individuals that fled from Russia a few years after the Russian Revolution.