payment page
Miss Brill
An older, unmarried woman and protagonist of the story. Miss Brill goes to the park every Sunday to watch people. She observes young and old, admiring the former and disparaging the latter. She longs for connection with people around her but instead exists as an outsider, surreptitiously watching and listening to learn about the lives of others.
Read an in-depth analysis of Miss Brill.
The boy
One of the young lovers and antagonists who sits on the bench near Miss Brill. Miss Brill initially sees him as the hero in the park’s drama. His advances toward the girl are frustrated, and he suspects that it is Miss Brill’s presence that interferes with his intentions. Angry and annoyed, he insults Miss Brill and rudely dismisses her.
The girl
The other of the young lovers and antagonists who sits on the bench near Miss Brill. At first, Miss Brill sees her as the heroine in an imagined play of life. But the girl giggles at Miss Brill and her fur, comparing it to a fried fish. She is coquettish, teasing the boy and refusing his amorous advances.
The ermine toque
An older, shabby woman at the park. When she encounters the gentleman in grey, she is delighted to see him, only to have him give her no response beyond blowing smoke in her face. Undaunted, she seeks out another person with whom to make a connection.
Read an in-depth analysis of the ermine toque.
The gentleman in grey
A “dignified” older man at the park. When the “ermine toque” approaches him to start a conversation, he disdainfully lights a cigarette, blows smoke in her face, and walks away without speaking.
The old couple
A “fine old man” and “big old woman” at the park. These two characters sit and then leave together. They do not talk, which disappoints Miss Brill. Though she sees herself as unlike these elderly people, the young couple that takes their place on the seat makes it clear, through their insulting comments, that she is also an old woman at the park.
