The original owner of Manor Farm who has fallen on evil days and become a heavy drinker. His neglect and mistreatment of the animals—forgetting to feed them and using the whip—directly sparks the rebellion that drives him from his land.

A prize Middle White boar whose dream of a world without humans inspires the animal rebellion. Highly respected on the farm, he delivers a speech outlining the principles of Animalism and teaches the animals the song 'Beasts of England' before passing away shortly after the book begins.

A cart-horse of enormous size and strength, respected universally for his steadiness of character and tremendous powers of work. Though not particularly intelligent, he is a dedicated disciple of Animalism.

A stout, motherly mare approaching middle life who has never quite got her figure back after her fourth foal. She is a loyal disciple of the rebellion and Boxer's close companion, often showing concern for his health and acting as a comforting presence to the other animals.

A donkey who is the oldest animal on the farm and the worst tempered. He seldom talks, and when he does, it is usually to make a cynical remark; he refuses to become enthusiastic about the rebellion, believing that life will remain hard regardless of who is in charge.

A foolish, pretty white mare who pulled Mr. Jones's trap and is obsessed with sugar and wearing ribbons in her mane. She is notably less committed to the hard work of the rebellion than the others and often makes excuses to avoid labor or leave work early.

A tame raven who is Mr. Jones's special pet and a spy. He does no work but tells the animals tales of a mysterious country called 'Sugarcandy Mountain' to which all animals go when they die.

Three dogs present at the initial meeting who later give birth to puppies that Napoleon confiscates for 'education.' They represent the farm's initial security force, though their offspring eventually become the fierce guards of the pig leadership.

A white goat who is somewhat literate, reading better than the dogs but not as well as the pigs. She often reads the Seven Commandments to Clover when the horses cannot remember the exact wording.

A large, rather fierce-looking Berkshire boar who emerges as one of the leaders of the farm rebellion alongside Snowball. Unlike his counterpart, he is not much of a talker but is known for getting his own way and possessing a reputation for depth of character.

A vivacious and inventive pig who, along with Napoleon, leads the animals in organizing the farm after Mr. Jones is expelled. He is an eloquent speaker and an idealist who busies himself with organizing various 'Animal Committees' and planning complex improvements for the farm.

A small, fat porker with twinkling eyes and a shrill voice who serves as the pigs' lieutenant and messenger. He is a brilliant talker who can turn 'black into white,' using his persuasive rhetoric to explain and justify the pigs' decisions to the other animals.

The easygoing gentleman farmer of Foxwood, a large, neglected, old-fashioned farm adjoining Animal Farm. He spends most of his time fishing or hunting and maintains a dislike for his neighbor, Mr. Frederick.

The tough, shrewd owner of Pinchfield, a smaller but better-kept farm neighboring Animal Farm. He is perpetually involved in lawsuits and has a reputation for driving hard bargains.

A solicitor living in Willingdon who agrees to act as an intermediary between Animal Farm and the outside world. He visits the farm every Monday to receive instructions, primarily motivated by the profit he stands to make from the arrangement.