Who Are The Main Characters In The Highwayman?

'The Highwayman' by Alfred Noyes is a classic narrative poem that paints a vivid, romanticized picture of love and tragedy. The main characters are the dashing highwayman himself and his beloved, Bess, the landlord's daughter. The highwayman is this bold, almost mythical figure who rides through the night, committing robberies with a flair that makes him seem more like a hero than a criminal. Bess is deeply in love with him, and her loyalty is put to the test when the redcoats come looking for him. Their love story is intense and doomed, which gives the poem its haunting beauty.

Then there's Tim the ostler, a minor but crucial character. He's this creepy, jealous guy who also has feelings for Bess and betrays the highwayman to the soldiers. His actions set the tragic events in motion. The redcoats, though not named individually, serve as the antagonists, representing authority and cruelty. They trap Bess and use her as bait, leading to that heart-wrenching moment where she sacrifices herself to warn the highwayman. The poem's strength lies in how these characters embody larger themes—love, betrayal, and sacrifice—while feeling incredibly vivid and human.