The speaker of the poem is a deeply passionate observer who watches her beloved converse with a man. She experiences intense affection that quickly twists into agonizing jealousy and a profound sense of isolation. This emotional turmoil manifests in overwhelming physical symptoms, leaving her unable to speak, struggling to see, experiencing a rush of blood in her ears, and feeling as though she is near death.

The beloved is the object of the speaker's intense affection and admiration. She engages in friendly, intimate conversation with a male companion, completely capturing his attention. She possesses a pleasant voice and lovely laughter that deeply affect the speaker. Her casual interaction with the man acts as the direct cause of the speaker's overwhelming physical and emotional breakdown.

An unnamed man who sits closely across from the speaker's beloved. The speaker perceives him as being equal to the gods, a perception that gives him an elevated and almost immortal status in her mind. His mere presence and his ability to casually and intimately interact with the beloved trigger the speaker's intense feelings of inadequacy.