The main characters in 'Black Beauty' are Black Beauty himself, the noble and gentle horse whose life story we follow from his early days on a farm to his various owners and experiences. There’s also Ginger, a spirited but mistreated mare who shares a bond with Beauty, and Merrylegs, a cheerful pony who adds a touch of lightness to the story. John Manly, the kind and skilled coachman, and James Howard, his apprentice, play significant roles in Beauty’s life, treating him with respect and care. Then there’s Squire Gordon, Beauty’s first owner, who embodies the ideal horse owner with his compassion. Lastly, Jerry Barker, the cab driver, stands out as a figure of kindness in Beauty’s later years, showing that even in hardship, there can be warmth and humanity.
Each character, whether human or horse, adds depth to the narrative, reflecting themes of kindness, cruelty, and resilience. Beauty’s journey is shaped by these relationships, making them integral to the emotional core of the novel.