The Rose is a vibrant, red flower resting in a "bed of crimson joy." Personified as an innocent and virginal figure, the flower exists in a peaceful garden setting before encountering uninvited forces. It lacks the ability to defend itself against the howling storm, leaving it vulnerable to outside invasion. The flower's physical deterioration and sickness result directly from this forced encounter.

The Worm is an invisible, nocturnal entity that travels through severe weather to locate the flower's garden bed. Operating as an active agent of experience and corruption, it burrows into the sanctuary uninvited. The creature imposes a "dark secret love" upon the flower and fundamentally alters the garden's peaceful environment.

The Speaker is the observant voice narrating the poem and directly addressing the rose. They possess knowledge of the flower's declining health and the hidden actions of the invisible worm. Operating from outside the immediate action, the Speaker functions as a lamenting observer. They diagnose the ailment and identify its hidden cause.