Col is the head shepherd who leads the group in the fields. He carries a deep resentment toward the rich gentry who exploit and overwork the poor working class. Despite his frustrations with his social status and physical exhaustion, he maintains empathy for others and guides the younger workers.

Gib is the second oldest of the three shepherds tending the flocks in the cold weather. He views his primary oppression as coming from women, specifically his heavy-drinking wife, rather than from wealthy landowners. He joins the other shepherds in trying to stay warm and pass the time singing.

Dave is the youngest of the three shepherds and often receives scolding from the older men. He struggles with constant hunger and a fear of the dark during their long watches in the severe weather. His youthful perspective adds both anxiety and sudden bursts of generosity to the group's dynamics.

Mak is a well-known local thief and troublemaker who relies on deceit to survive. He complains that he resorts to stealing because he must provide for a rapidly growing family. He uses trickery and false identities to take advantage of the hard-working shepherds in the area.

Gill is Mak's cunning and hardworking wife. She actively participates in her husband's schemes and matches his wit during their bantering arguments. She defends her contributions to the household by pointing out the extensive physical labor she performs to keep their family running.

The Angel is a divine messenger who brings holy announcements to the mortal world. The entity commands the poor shepherds to travel to Bethlehem. This appearance signals that divine grace extends first to the lowly and humble working class.

Mary is the mother of the newborn infant in Bethlehem. She waits in the humble stable and receives visitors arriving from the fields. She tasks the men with spreading the news of her son's arrival to the rest of the world.

The Christ-Child is the newborn infant lying in a manger in Bethlehem. Placed in a humble stable, the baby receives modest gifts from the visiting shepherds. The child represents the arrival of divine salvation on earth.