Tree
The feminine apple tree takes on a parental role to the young boy during his early childhood all the way through adulthood till old age. The tree is shown to be a kind and loving figure from the start, and consistently behaves in a selfless manner throughout the years. Though the boy grows into a man, the Tree still continues to refer to him as Boy, thus suggesting that the parent never stops taking care of their children even as they grow older. The Tree is therefore perhaps a representation of a maternal figure in the boy's love, thus is exploited but at the same time unwilling to let go of the unrequited love harbored for the boy.
Boy
The Boy is initially shown to be a fun and adventurous child, having formed a strong friendship with the Tree and spending his early years climbing and having fun with the tree. However, as the boy ages, he begins to become more selfish by demanding things of the tree, for example, the apples to sell for money and the branches to make a house for his family. Even till old age, the boy retains his selfishness and requests to sit on the over-ridden tree stump that remains of the once glorious tree.
