Mother
The main character in the poem is the mother. She is incredibly protective of her child, and wants to make sure that she is safe, and that the world cannot hurt her. If this means keeping her away from the world, then that is what she will do. Her daughter is her reason for being and she demonstrates her love throughout the poem.
She is also finding it hard to come to terms with her little girl growing up. She still thinks of her as a child who plays outside, or in the house, who does not need to be involved in political or social issues yet. She unconsciously wants to keep her as young as possible for as long as possible.
The mother suggests her daughter goes to church because it is a safe place, and because it is a good compromise; she doesn't want to keep her cooped up in the house away from her friends, but she doesn't want her taking part in a march either. The most harrowing part of the poem is the moment when the smile on her face disappears forever, and she realizes that her child is gone. Her grief is palpable and it is apparent that it will also be unending.
Daughter
Although we are not completely sure how old the little girl is, she is young enough to enjoy playing in the house. However, she is also of an age where she knows there is more to life than playing, and she is starting to take more notice of the world around her and the role that she would like to play in it. She is starting to be aware that the world is bigger than she thought, and much bigger that the world she has experienced so far.
She is also very naive and optimistic which is understandable given her youth. She believes she can change the world and she cannot wait to get started. However, she is still very respectful of her mother and her mother's authority.She puts up a good case for going to the march, but she accepts the "no" that her mother gives her, and does not try to argue or sneak off to the march on her own anyway.
