Paul Revere
A silversmith, Son of Liberty, and patriot, Paul Revere in this poem is a smart, fast, and fervent man who rides throughout Massachusetts towns with the warning that the British are coming. He is depicted as forthright, courageous, and efficient, a true American hero.
Revere's Friend
Revere's friend has the job to wait and listen for signs of the British soldiers and then to light one lantern in the belfry of the Old North Church if they are coming by land, and two lanterns if they are coming by sea. After Revere leaves he walks throughout the quiet, ghostly streets and is quite trepidatious. He feels an ominous sense of foreboding and loneliness, but carries out his part of the plan.
The speaker
A landlord at an inn, he tells the story of Paul Revere to a group of friends.
