Mr. Jones is the human owner of Manor Farm. He is an alcoholic and irresponsible farmer who severely neglects and underfeeds his animals. His incompetence and cruel behavior directly provoke the animals to rebel and take over the farm.

Major is a 12-year-old, stout, and majestic Middle White prize boar. He is highly respected on the farm and acts as a visionary thinker. He introduces the animals to the idea of a world without humans, outlining the principles that later become Animalism.

Napoleon is a large, fierce-looking Berkshire boar with a reputation for getting his own way. Highly intelligent, he quickly learns to read and write alongside the other pigs. Rather than sharing visionary ideas, he focuses on practical administration and the consolidation of his authority over the farm.

Snowball is a young, vivacious boar who excels at public speaking and strategic planning. He is a creative thinker who advocates for technological progress, such as building a windmill, to improve the animals' daily lives. He demonstrates military acumen by studying Julius Caesar's campaigns to organize the farm's defense.

Boxer is a massive cart horse, possessing the physical strength of two ordinary horses. He is deeply devoted to the rebellion and serves as the primary laborer for the farm's major construction projects. Though lacking in high intelligence, his moral conscience, loyalty, and unmatched work ethic make him the emotional backbone of the working animals.

Squealer is a small, fat pig with nimble movements and a shrill voice. He serves as the primary intermediary between the pig leadership and the rest of the farm animals. He is highly persuasive, possessing a talent for manipulating language and statistics to justify the pigs' changing policies.

Clover is a stout, motherly cart horse who works closely alongside Boxer. She serves as a nurturing and emotionally supportive figure for the other animals on the farm. Though she struggles to articulate her thoughts or read perfectly, she possesses a strong moral compass and quietly questions actions that seem to violate the original principles of the rebellion.

Benjamin is an elderly, ill-tempered donkey who rarely speaks except to make caustic remarks. He refuses to show enthusiasm for the rebellion, believing that life will remain difficult regardless of who is in charge. Despite his sour demeanor, he is highly intelligent and harbors a deep, quiet affection for his closest friends.

Mollie is an attractive, foolish white mare who formerly pulled Mr. Jones's carriage. She cares little for the politics of the rebellion, focusing instead on her desire for sugar lumps and ribbons. She struggles to adapt to the austere, equalitarian lifestyle required by the new animal society.

Moses is a tame raven and Mr. Jones's special pet. Instead of working, he spends his time telling the animals tales about a mythical place called Sugarcandy Mountain, where animals supposedly go after they die. The pigs initially view his stories as a distraction from the practical work of building the new society.

Mr. Pilkington is the easy-going gentleman farmer who owns Foxwood, a large, neglected estate adjacent to Animal Farm. He spends most of his time hunting and fishing rather than actively managing his property. He views the animal rebellion with suspicion and worries about its influence on his own livestock.

Mr. Frederick is the tough, shrewd owner of Pinchfield, a smaller but better-kept farm neighboring the animal-run property. He has a reputation for driving hard bargains and treating his animals cruelly. He actively spreads rumors about the instability of the animal-run farm to prevent his own animals from getting revolutionary ideas.

Mr. Whymper is a sly-looking little man working as a solicitor in Willingdon. Recognizing a profitable opportunity, he agrees to handle the farm's external trade. He visits the property weekly to take orders, serving as the animals' only point of contact with human commerce.

Minimus is a small pig with a talent for composing songs and poetry. He uses his creative abilities entirely to serve the ruling class, writing laudatory verses that glorify the farm's leadership and reinforce the new social order.

Mrs. Jones is the human farmer's wife. She shares in the comfortable, privileged life of the farmhouse while the animals outside are neglected and underfed. When the animals suddenly revolt, she hastily packs her belongings and escapes the property via the back way.

Jessie is one of the farm dogs. Shortly after the rebellion, she gives birth to a litter of sturdy puppies. Her maternal role is abruptly cut short when the farm leadership confiscates her offspring, claiming the responsibility for their education.

Bluebell is another of the farm's working dogs. Like Jessie, she gives birth to a litter of puppies early in the farm's new administration, only to have them removed from her care by the ruling pigs under the guise of specialized education.