Mowgli

Mowgli, the central character in “Mowgli's Brothers,” “Kaa's Hunting,” and “Tiger! Tiger!,” is discovered by the wolves as a very young child, barely able to walk. Raised by Mother Wolf with her own cubs, he becomes a member of the Wolf Pack. Mowgli learns the Law of the Jungle from Baloo the bear and develops into a quick-witted, strong-willed young man. He is fiercely independent, often showing disdain towards those he deems less courageous or intelligent. Although he excels as a student of jungle lore, Mowgli ultimately adheres only to rules he personally deems important, including the fundamental Law of the Jungle.

As he matures, after spending ten or eleven years in the jungle, Mowgli returns briefly to the human village, attempting to integrate and learn to be a man. However, by the conclusion of his saga, he realizes he belongs neither to the world of men nor to the animal kingdom, choosing instead the path of a lone hunter. Despite his solitary nature, it is noted that he will marry one day.

Throughout his story, Mowgli experiences many adventures among the jungle animals. He bravely faces Shere Khan, the tiger, who relentlessly pursues him. At about seventeen years old, he understands the necessity of returning to the human world, or "Manpack," to live.

In addition to his jungle life, Mowgli forms significant relationships with other key characters, such as Bagheera the panther, who advises him to use fire as protection, and Mother Wolf, who fiercely protects and raises him alongside her cubs. His relationship with Bagheera is one of mutual respect and affection, with Bagheera even purchasing Mowgli’s life by donating a bull to the Wolf Pack.

Mother Wolf

Mother Wolf is the one who first takes Mowgli into her care, finding him both intriguing and impressive due to his strength and assertiveness even as a young child. She decides to raise Mowgli alongside her wolf cubs. Her bravery is unwavering, particularly in defending Mowgli from Shere Khan, the tiger. Mother Wolf is so confident in Mowgli’s abilities that she prophesies he will ultimately kill Shere Khan, a prediction that comes to fruition.

Shere Khan

Shere Khan is a tiger who stands as one of the jungle's most formidable creatures, yet is hindered by a limp. Unable to hunt with the prowess expected of his kind, he attacks cattle and men, acts that violate the Law of the Jungle. Despite the fear he invokes due to his species, Shere Khan is not particularly brave or respected, especially by Mowgli, who views him with contempt and ultimately defeats him.

Shere Khan's actions shock the jungle animals when he reveals his choice to kill a man not out of necessity but desire. This breach of the jungle’s unwritten codes explains the tiger’s distinctive stripes, which are said to be a mark of his wrongdoing.

Bagheera

Bagheera is a sleek and proud black panther, notable for his intelligence, dignity, and courage. His affection for Mowgli rivals that of Mother Wolf, and he plays a pivotal role in Mowgli's acceptance into the Wolf Pack. Bagheera advises Mowgli on survival tactics, such as procuring fire to guard against threats, and demonstrates his deep care by sacrificing a bull to secure Mowgli’s place in the pack.

Bagheera, alongside Baloo and Kaa, assists in rescuing Mowgli from the Bandar-Log, the monkey people, who kidnap him. His status in the jungle is on par with that of Shere Khan, but unlike the tiger, Bagheera commands respect through his noble qualities.

Baloo

Baloo, the wise old bear of the jungle, serves as a teacher to the wolf cubs, imparting lessons on the Law of the Jungle. He treasures Mowgli as a pupil and appreciates his intellect, though their relationship suffers due to Mowgli's frequent disobedience and Baloo’s stern teachings. Despite these tensions, Baloo's commitment to Mowgli's education and welfare is unwavering.

Kaa

Kaa is a massive python, stretching thirty feet long, who instills fear in the hearts of the jungle's inhabitants. Known for mystical hypnotic powers, which seem to affect every creature except Mowgli, Kaa is both a formidable ally and a source of awe. Kaa's role is crucial in rescuing Mowgli from the monkeys, showcasing his cunning and power.

Akela

Akela, the leader of the Wolf Pack, embodies strength, bravery, and a keen sense of justice. He acts as a protector to Mowgli against Shere Khan. However, as Akela ages, he finds his authority waning and becomes increasingly disillusioned with the younger wolves' lack of honor and courage, ultimately losing his leadership.

Father Wolf

Father Wolf is credited with finding Mowgli and plays a vital role in his integration into the wolf family. He teaches Mowgli the fundamental skills needed to survive in the jungle, and his characteristics are primarily defined by his bravery and kindness.

Gray Brother

Gray Brother, the eldest of Mother Wolf’s cubs, displays unwavering loyalty to Mowgli. He follows Mowgli tirelessly, even to the human village, and aids him in orchestrating the cattle stampede that leads to Shere Khan's demise. His commitment extends to assisting in the rescue of Messua and her husband when they face persecution from fellow villagers.

Messua

Messua is a wealthy woman living in a village twenty miles from the Wolf Pack. After losing her own son to Shere Khan, she adopts Mowgli, convinced he might be her long-lost child, although she ultimately is unsure. Her kindness is evident when she offers sanctuary to Mowgli and blesses him for vanquishing the tiger, even as the village turns against him.

Buldeo

Buldeo is a hunter from the village, characterized by his boastfulness and deep-seated prejudice against Mowgli. He plays a significant part in inciting the villagers to oppose Mowgli, driven by jealousy and fear of the boy’s unique abilities and relationship with the jungle.

Kotick

Kotick, the protagonist of “The White Seal,” stands out as a white seal with a noble mission—to find a safe haven for his fellow seals away from human hunters. His bravery and determination are unmatched, as he spends five years in relentless pursuit of a sanctuary, despite mockery from his peers. Unlike most of his kind, Kotick demonstrates an exceptional altruism and intelligence, actively caring about the broader fate of seals driven to slaughter.

When persuasion fails, Kotick exhibits remarkable ferocity in combat to convince other seals to trust and follow him, showcasing both his physical and moral strength.

Sea Catch

Sea Catch, Kotick’s father, is a battle-scarred fur seal who initially follows the conventional and more limited viewpoints of his kind. However, he comes to support his son’s aspirations upon witnessing Kotick's bravery and determination in securing a better future for the seals.

Matkah

Matkah, the mother of Kotick, perceives the senselessness of the seals' violent lifestyle but, unlike her son, refrains from actively challenging it. She embodies the nurturing aspect of Kotick's upbringing, providing a stable foundation for his revolutionary quest.

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi

Rikki-tikki-tavi is the heroic mongoose protagonist of his eponymous tale, celebrated for his courage and insatiable curiosity. He takes great pride in his role as the protector of the English family residing in the bungalow, particularly their young son, Teddy. Often contemptuous of the surrounding animals’ timidity and foolishness, Rikki-tikki-tavi’s mission is to safeguard his human charges from the malevolent snakes lurking about.

Nag

Nag is a tyrannical python who previously ruled the garden with terror, preying on the young and weak birds and frogs. His animosity towards the human family stems from blaming them for Rikki-tikki-tavi's presence, which disrupts his dominion.

Nagaina

Nagaina, Nag’s wife, shares her husband’s ruthlessness and danger. Her protective instincts become even more pronounced when her eggs are threatened, making her a formidable adversary to Rikki-tikki-tavi.

Kala Nag

Kala Nag is an aged elephant in “Toomai of the Elephants,” boasting nearly half a century of faithful service to the Indian government. He respects only his mahout, Big Toomai, and Big Toomai’s son, Little Toomai. Kala Nag is admired for his experience and knowledge, yet he is depicted as a gentle giant, cautious and discerning.

Big Toomai

Big Toomai, the mahout of Kala Nag, is proud of his esteemed position and holds disdain for those he considers below his station, such as simple elephant trackers. Despite his frustration with his son, Little Toomai, Big Toomai acknowledges the boy’s aptitude for elephant tracking, which he grudgingly respects.

Little Toomai

Little Toomai, son of Big Toomai, is characterized by his daring and adventurous spirit. Raised among elephants, he embraces their presence without fear and takes great pride in receiving praise from Petersen Sahib.

Petersen Sahib

Petersen Sahib is an experienced elephant handler who recognizes and appreciates Little Toomai's courage. His career-long association with elephants positions him as a figure of authority and respect in the domain of elephant management.

Billy the Mule

In “Her Majesty’s Servants,” Billy is a mule who takes pride in his agility and bravery in the face of danger. He has a sensitive temperament, particularly when reminded of his father’s donkey lineage, and is easily agitated by the loud trumpeting of elephants.

The Troop-Horse

The troop-horse is distinguished by his valor in battle and his close bond with his rider. He harbors a sense of superiority over the mules yet unites with them against common threats, notably the elephants.

The Camel

The camel in “Her Majesty’s Servants” is characterized by his humble nature and tendency to apologize. He is often plagued by unsettling dreams, especially when in unfamiliar environments.

Two Tails the Elephant

Two Tails, the elephant, prides himself on his intelligence and sensitivity, claiming to understand the nuances and consequences of war more profoundly than other animals. Despite his self-proclaimed wisdom, he is not immune to fear, as demonstrated by his apprehension towards a small dog, leading to accusations of cowardice from his peers.