Danny is a young man living in a humble trapper's cabin in the Wintapi wilderness with his father. Accustomed to a life of manual labor, trapping, and surviving in the harsh natural environment, he longs for a companion of his own. When he meets a valuable show dog, he discovers a profound sense of responsibility and a desire to forge an independent path. He demonstrates a deep respect for the wilderness and a natural intuition with animals.

Red is a highly valuable, champion Irish setter owned by Dick Haggin. Originally bred and trained exclusively for dog shows, he possesses deep intelligence and a strong will. He immediately bonds with Danny, preferring the young woodsman's gentle companionship over the strict discipline of his official trainer. He proves to be courageous and capable of independent problem-solving in the wilderness.

Ross is Danny's widowed father and an experienced hunter who raises hound dogs in the Wintapi wilderness. He provides for his son through squatter's rights on the Haggin estate and hard physical labor. While he deeply loves Danny and treats him with respect, he maintains traditional, sometimes physical methods for animal training that clash with Danny's gentler approach.

Old Majesty is an infamous, massive bear that stalks the Wintapi wilderness. Feared by humans and animals alike, the bear is highly intelligent and understands how to avoid armed hunters while targeting livestock and hunting dogs. The creature represents the ultimate physical danger of the wild environment and serves as a constant threat to the local trappers.

Dick Haggin is a wealthy property owner who operates a sprawling estate in the Wintapi clearing. He permits the Picketts to live on the edge of his land and recognizes Danny's unique potential. Acting as a mentor figure, he introduces Danny to the wider world of dog shows, pays him wages, and entrusts him with significant responsibilities over his prized animals.

Robert Fraley serves as the overseer for Dick Haggin's property, managing the grounds, horses, and show dogs. He is knowledgeable about estate management but employs rough, physical discipline with the animals under his care. He views Danny's presence and immediate connection with the dogs as a threat to his authority.

John Bailey is a local game warden operating in the Wintapi wilderness. He handles hunting regulations, missing animals, and wildlife management in the region. He treats the local residents with respect, relying heavily on their knowledge of the woods to maintain order.

Katherine is a city-dwelling friend of Dick Haggin who visits his Wintapi estate. She lacks an understanding of the rural lifestyle and working animals, reacting with fear and disgust to the unpolished realities of the wilderness, such as when a dog encounters a skunk.

Sheilah MacGuire is an Irish setter purchased by Dick Haggin. Brought to the Wintapi to breed with champion dogs, she slowly adjusts to the rural environment and her new canine companions under Danny's careful supervision.

John Allen is a neighboring farmer who works land near the Wintapi wilderness. He shares news of the outside world, including local law enforcement matters and escaped prisoners, with the isolated trappers.