Reynard

Reynard, the fox. So crafty and persuasive a liar is he, that he is at last made high bailiff of the country, though he has flagrantly cheated and injured all of the animals, including the king. Thus is craftiness set above mere strength.

Noble

Noble, the lion, king of beasts. He listens to the animals’ grievances against Reynard, and even sentences the fox to death, but Reynard lies so cleverly about hidden treasure and treachery on the part of the others that the king frees him. Noble is similarly gulled a second time and on this occasion even makes Reynard high bailiff.

Isegrim

Isegrim, the wolf, whose children have been made blind by Reynard. Convinced of Isegrim’s treason, the king gives the wolf’s shoes to Reynard. After this, when the wolf and the fox are engaged in combat, Reynard persuades Isegrim to let him go with promises of rewards.

Tibert

Tibert, the cat. He defends Reynard before the others until he has been tricked by the fox into jumping into a trap.

Bruin

Bruin, the bear. Reynard’s promises of honey lure him into a trap, and he is badly beaten before he escapes. Later, Reynard convinces the king that Bruin is plotting to replace him as ruler. Noble gives Bruin’s skin to Reynard.

Grimbard

Grimbard, the brock (a badger). He defends Reynard before the court and even warns the fox of a plot against him.

Panther

Panther, who complains of Reynard to the king.

Chanticleer

Chanticleer, the cock. His complaint is that Reynard deceived him into relaxing his vigilance by pretending to have given up eating flesh; Reynard then eats Chanticleer’s children.

Kyward

Kyward, the hare. He accompanies Reynard on a “pilgrimage” and is eaten by him.

Bellin

Bellin, the ram, who goes with Reynard and Kyward. Deceived into thinking he is carrying a letter, he brings Kyward’s head to the king. The furious king then gives the stupid ram and all his lineage to the wolf and the bear to atone for his misjudgment of them.