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The enemy sniper and story’s antagonist, although little is known about him. The enemy sniper may be taken to be the protagonist’s brother; however, he also may be taken figuratively, representing the division among the greater family of Irish citizens. He is obviously watchful, taking his first shot moments after the protagonist strikes a match. Then, each time the protagonist accidentally comes into view, including when he kills the man in the armored vehicle and the old woman, he fires another shot. He demonstrates patience, never firing without a visible target, and he remains hidden throughout most of the story, revealed only by a muzzle flash.
The protagonist admires his opponent, deciding that “he was a good shot, whoever he was” and wondering if “he had been in his own company before the split in the army.” The enemy sniper’s sole weakness may be that he is too confident and is therefore easily fooled. He falls for the protagonist’s subterfuge, believing that he is dead, and almost immediately rises, without waiting to confirm the kill. He stands in the open, looking across at the protagonist’s position, perhaps thinking about what has transpired, clearly unprepared for the fact that the protagonist is still alive, let alone continuing to hunt him.
