Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Mrs. Shortley

Before she dies, Mrs. Shortley whips up suspicion of Mr. Guizac and lays the groundwork for the hatred that eventually kills him.

Mr. Shortley

He began a campaign to put community pressure on Mrs. McIntyre to fire Mr. Guizac. He also parked his tractor on a hill, within rolling range of Mr. Guizac's legs, and then keeps quiet when the brake doesn't hold. He antagonizes Mr. Guizac to death.

Mrs. McIntyre

Mrs. McIntyre antagonizes Mr. Guizac first by exploiting him for labor, and second by allowing him to be killed before her eyes. She also antagonizes everybody else in the story, including the peacocks.