The unnamed protagonist is simply referred to as “the boss.” In the first half of the story, he is depicted as someone who takes great pride in his newly redecorated office and in his ability to showcase his superior position to his frail, former employee Mr. Woodifield. Despite being five years older than Woodifield, the boss is described as “still going strong, still at the helm” (74). He enjoys being able to feel superior to his former employee.

He waves “exultantly” toward the upgrades he installed. When he sees a sign of weakness in Woodifield, he decides to generously share with him an expensive bottle of whiskey, “swooping across” (77) for the cups. His mannerisms and tone of voice in the first part of the story suggest a man who has power and enjoys the presence of the lesser man if only because it serves to emphasize his greatness.

The evolution of the boss’s character comes when Woodifield brings up the subject of his son’s grave in Belgium. The boss becomes silent: “Only a quiver in his eyelids showed that he had heard” (77). After Woodifield leaves, the boss undergoes a physical transformation.