The narrator of the ode acts as an observer and historian of poetic tradition. He traces the geographic and historical movement of poetry from ancient Greece to modern England. Possessing a deep reverence for classical antiquity, he seeks to revive English verse by emulating ancient Greek rhythms and structures. He places his faith in a young boy to continue the poetic lineage.

The nine Greek goddesses of poetic inspiration and music. They travel together as a single unit, representing a finite resource of artistic grace that can only inhabit one nation at a time. Fleeing tyranny and vice in Greece, they migrate to Rome and eventually settle in England. They bring comfort to remote, harsh climates and provide the basic conditions for human flourishing.

The classical goddess of beauty and love. The poem emphasizes her divine, spiritual aspect rather than earthly lust, noting that she floats above the ground detached from material concerns. She acts as a maternal figure to the next generation of English poets, appearing in England to grant a young boy the tools of artistic creation.

A young child chosen by divine figures to inherit the classical poetic tradition. When Venus unveils her face to him, he smiles without fear. He receives a pencil that commands the golden keys to human emotion, allowing him to unlock joy, horror, and sympathetic tears. He represents the continued life of English verse.

A famous poet of the generation preceding the speaker. He drives a chariot pulled by two ethereal, thunder-clothed horses. He represents the high-water mark of recent English poetry, following classical examples but maintaining a slightly lower altitude than his ancient and Renaissance predecessors.

A monumental English poet who pushes the boundaries of time and place. He travels into the divine abyss to spy on the secrets of heaven. His exposure to the blinding light of the divine throne results in him closing his eyes in endless night, representing his physical blindness and visionary sight.

The god of war, known for his fury and chaotic passion. Even his intense, destructive anger falls under the soft control of the lyre's music. He drops his thirsty lance and halts his chariot when he hears the soothing poetic song.

The king of the gods in the Roman pantheon. The poetry of the Muses justifies his divine laws to humanity, explaining the presence of suffering and pain in human life. His pet eagle is lulled to sleep by the same music that pacifies the god of war.

Small, rosy-crowned figures who represent affection and desire. They perform a circular, rhythmic dance in strict cadence to the music of the lyre until their queen approaches.