A recently deceased woman buried in a local graveyard. From her resting place, she questions who might be visiting her mound, expecting traditional mourning rituals and lasting loyalty. She hopes her survivors continue to harbor strong feelings about her, clinging to the belief that memory endures beyond death.

The speaker's former pet who still lives near the graveyard. He frequently passes by the burial grounds on his daily trot. Though animals frequently represent undying fidelity in romantic literature, he functions primarily on basic animal instinct and physical needs.

The speaker's former romantic partner. Instead of planting rue as a symbol of sorrow, he moves on rapidly with his life. He rationalizes his swift transition to a new marriage by arguing that his actions can no longer hurt the deceased woman.

The immediate family members of the deceased speaker. They are highly practical people who view mourning rituals as a waste of effort. They decide against planting flowers or tending the grave, reasoning that such actions will not release the speaker from death's grip.

A woman who harbored a passionate rivalry with the speaker during their lives. Once she learns that the speaker has passed the final gate, she abandons her hatred entirely. She no longer cares about where her former rival lies.

A wealthy woman whom the beloved marries shortly after the speaker's death. She provides the worldly prestige and material comfort that the beloved chooses over perpetual mourning.