Red
The Tour Manager allows the new man to ride Mary into Erwin. Ironically, he isn't trained to understand how to truly handle her and it leads to his death and the horror of the rest of the story.
Peanuts
The Hungry Townsperson seems to just eat peanuts because he is watching the show. But, ironically, he eats them because he believes that they help elephants to have a long memory, something that he and the people of Erwin need.
Strongman
The Strongman has purchased his passage to freedom in America from Eastern Europe. It is his strength that is most impressive. Ironically, he knows that his human strength will never compare to the strength of the machine and industry in America, that people will line up for that over him any day.
Ballet Girl
The Ballet Girl speaks of how she represents the beauty of the circus. Ironically she says that Ballet could be substituted for Show. The only difference is the setting which her act occurs. It being at the circus allows her to be accepted by the public rather than shunned.
Horror
Mary's death is described in great horror as she is ripped apart and crashes to the ground before the crane picks her up a final time to end her life. Ironically, the Marshal doesn't see this as tragedy but as the American Dream coming to life, that anything can be done in America.
