There are mainly two characters. The first one is a man who has been living a life on the wrong side of the law for 20 years. He's waiting at the agreed - upon place. The second is his friend who has become a police officer. Through their encounter, we see how their lives have diverged and how they react to each other after such a long time.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read this particular 'After Earth' short story. But typically, in a post - apocalyptic story like this, there could be a strong and resourceful protagonist, perhaps a young adult who has grown up in this harsh new world. There might also be an older mentor figure who imparts wisdom and survival skills.
A group of friends could be the main characters. They might have a tradition of going out together after dark. The story could revolve around their adventures, like getting lost in an old part of town, or stumbling upon a hidden party that only takes place at night.
I'm not sure specifically without reading the story, but it could be soldiers. Since it's about after a battle, soldiers are likely to be main characters as they are directly involved in the battle and would experience the after - effects.
Often in stories set after a funeral, there is a character who is more of an outsider but still connected to the situation. This could be a neighbor who has observed the family for a long time. And of course, there could be the priest or the person who conducted the funeral service, who might have some interactions with the main characters and contribute to the overall narrative.
I'm not sure as the story isn't described here, but usually in a race - related story, there would be the racers themselves. They could be athletes with different personalities and backstories.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read the exact 'after the ball short story'. But typically in such a story, there could be a young protagonist, perhaps a man or a woman who attends the ball and whose experiences form the core of the story. There might also be a love interest.
I'm not sure as the information is not given. But they could be survivors like a doctor who tries to treat the remaining sick, or a community leader who is trying to keep everyone together.
I don't know without reading it, but perhaps there is a protagonist who has endured the difficulties of winter and is now on a journey of self - discovery.
I'm not sure as the story isn't described in detail. But it could be the dancers themselves, perhaps a couple who had a special moment during the dance.
Perhaps there is an old man who sits on his porch every time it rains and after the rain stops, he reflects on his long life. He could be one of the main characters. Another character might be a stray dog that finds shelter during the rain and then its journey after the rain ends forms part of the story.