* The Man: The unnamed protagonist, a working-class man who is likely a waiter at a restaurant. He is described as a "little man" and is exhausted from a long week of work. He represents a sense of disillusionment and exhaustion in the face of the relentless cycle of life.
* The Woman: The man's wife, who is also unnamed. She is described as being "young and pretty" and is still asleep while the man prepares breakfast. She represents a sense of hope and innocence, although it is hinted that their marriage may be strained.
* The Restaurant Owner: The man's employer, who is also unnamed. He is described as a "big man" and is stern and demanding. He represents the harsh realities of working-class life.
* The Other Waiters: The unnamed men who work with the protagonist at the restaurant. They are only briefly mentioned, but they represent the sense of camaraderie and shared experience that comes with being part of the working class.
The story is characterized by its minimalist style and its focus on the everyday experiences of its characters. Hemingway uses vivid imagery and sparse dialogue to convey the sense of weariness and resignation that pervades the lives of the characters.