Narrator
The third-person narrator of this story is never named. The poem is written in the form of a speech addressing different entities. While the main addressee is never mentioned, the historical and contextual facts make it clear that the Whigs party leader, the Earl of Shaftesbury, is meant. The narrator speaks in a partly accusatory, partly satirical tone, criticizing the actions of both the jury and the defendant heavily.
The Earl of Shaftesbury
While never directly named, the Earl is directly addressed as the evil leader of a sect that tries to overthrow the English throne. Within the poem he is described as a shifting personality that is working with all kind of lowlife and does not comprehend the severity of his own actions. This description has to be considered through the lens of the political opponent who wished that the Earl was convicted for high treason. His crime of sedition is overtly named in the poem and likened to a sickness that has taken hold of the glorious British empire.
The Whig Party
The new party on the political spectrum of 17th century Britain is considered one of the main enemies of what is good and true. The poem describes them as brainless followers of a sect that only seeks to do evil. Their plea against an absolute monarchy for a constitutional monarchy is indirectly compared with regicide and the eating of ministers for breakfast. Considering this poem is meant to be satirical, the harsh emotions against the antagonists of Dryden is clearly visible.
The High Jury
While only mentioned on a side note, the actions of the high jury cause the writing of the poem. Therefore, their position and interpretation of the law is ridiculed, their witnesses are likened to leeches that suck all blood out of the English system. The narrator sarcastically lets the audience know that much harm could have been avoided if the jury had acted according to the law.
The Medal
While not technically personified, the medal as the namesake of the poem plays an important role, especially in the first part of the poem. The depiction of the Earl on the front is described as art imitating nature, with the only flaw that his shifty and evil personality are not properly displayed.
