The Butcher

The butcher is the last person to talk to Mrs. Grimes before she dies. Taking pity on her, he gives her a generous portion of meat that makes her pack too heavy and causes her to stop and rest in the cold.

The German Farmer

The German farmer once hired Mrs. Grimes as a "bound girl," which meant that she lived on his farm, cooked for him, and fed his animals. She suffered from his unwanted sexual advances until she married Jack Grimes.

Jake Grimes

Jake Grimes is married to Mrs. Grimes. He is a profligate, a drunk, and a known horse thief. Jake counts on his wife to make ends meet at their small farm, and does not contribute to the family economy. He expects her to provide for him and treats her with indifference or cruelty; the marriage is a loveless one. After Mrs. Grimes...