Narrator
The poem's only real character is the narrator who gives an opinion on the concept of war. The narration, within the short eight lines of the poem, swiftly switches between positive, glory filled lines where it seems the narrator considers war a necessity for the protection of freedom and other, less positive concepts. The second type discusses the negative outcomes for the individual. This makes the narrator into an ambiguous character whose stance is not easily defined. The narrator additionally brings in the ambiguous element of personal gain versus greater good. While war efforts might make an individual great, in how far the greater good, in this case freedom, is served is unresolved. The stance of the narrator seems to be divided on both topics.
Audience
The audience of the poem can be considered a distinct character as the narrator gives direct instructions what kind of actions are required. The audience is required to interpret the deliberately ambiguous lines and make up their own mind about these instructions. Should they take up arms and go fight for a freedom that is not related to their own lives? Or should they fear the horrors of war? The poem leaves these questions unanswered.
