Since we don't have much information about the story, we can only guess. There could be a protagonist who is trying to understand the stone eater. Maybe there's a wise old character who has some knowledge about the stone eater and tries to pass it on to others. And of course, the stone eater which is likely to be a very important character in the story.
In most short stories, there's often a character that drives the action. In 'the stone eater short story', it's likely that the stone eater is a main character. There may also be a character who is in conflict with the stone eater, perhaps fearing it or trying to stop it from doing whatever it is that stone - eating implies. And there could be a character who is sympathetic towards the stone eater and tries to protect it.
Well, it might be centered around survival. If there's a creature that eats stones, it's likely in a harsh environment where normal food sources are scarce. So, the theme could be how it copes with this difficult situation and finds a way to survive against the odds. Maybe it shows the lengths a being will go to in order to stay alive.
It depends on the specific version of the story. But generally, there are the lotus - eaters themselves who are central to the narrative as they represent the concept the story is exploring.
The main character in 'the lotus eater short story' is the individual who is attracted to the life symbolized by the 'lotus - eating'. This character is in search of a life free from the usual stresses and strains. There might be other characters in the background that help to set the context, like people from the community the protagonist is part of. However, the main character's journey, from their normal life to the life of a 'lotus eater', is what the story is mostly about. Their internal struggle, if any, and their relationship with this new way of life are key aspects of the story.
Since I haven't read the story, it's hard to say for sure. But it's likely that the sin eater is one of the main characters.
I'm not sure without reading the story, but it could be a person who finds the stone. Maybe it's a young child who is curious about the stone and their actions drive the story forward.
The main characters are usually the travelers who make the stone soup and the villagers. The travelers initiate the process of making the soup and the villagers are the ones who contribute to it.
The stone boy is surely a main character. Then there might be a character like an old wise man who could guide the stone boy on his journey, whether it's a physical or emotional journey. Also, there could be a bully - type character who makes the stone boy's life difficult, highlighting the challenges the stone boy has to face.
Perhaps there is a character who is in charge of maintaining the stone ship, if it's in some sort of harbor or place where it needs upkeep. This character could be one of the main ones, and his or her actions and thoughts could drive the story forward. For example, they might be constantly trying to figure out the origin and purpose of the stone ship.
The main character is Arthur. There may also be other characters who try to pull the sword but are not as important as Arthur.
Probably the stone boy and perhaps some other characters who interact with him. For example, his parents if they are part of the story. They could play an important role in shaping the stone boy's character and the events that unfold. Maybe there are also other children in the story who either befriend or bully the stone boy, which would also make them important characters in the overall narrative.