55 pages • 1-hour read
Peter BrownA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.
Roz is a ROZZUM unit 7134 robot packaged and sold as a refurbished model to work on a dairy farm. Programmed for obedience and hard work, she quickly sets to repairing broken machinery and caring for the cows. Despite her mechanical efficiency, she misses her past life on a wild island and longs to reunite with her adopted goose son. She conceals her wild history and unique sentience from her human employers while quietly planning an escape, relying on her sharp intelligence and camouflage skills to adapt.
Employee of Mr. Shareef
Friend and Caretaker of Jad
Friend and Caretaker of Jaya
Adopted Mother of Brightbill
Friend of Annabelle
Opponent of Shadow
Creation of Dr. Molovo
Brightbill is a migratory goose who was adopted and raised by a robot on a remote island. He possesses strong direction-finding instincts and a deep bond with his unconventional mother. Unlike typical wild geese, he communicates easily with Roz and relies on her protection while also serving as her scout during travel.
Mr. Shareef is the owner of Hilltop Farm, an agricultural property that has belonged to his family for generations. Suffering from a leg injury and grieving the recent loss of his wife, he relies heavily on computerized machinery to run the dairy operation. He acts as a bridge between traditional farming and modern automation, observing Roz closely to ensure she completes her duties.
Dr. Molovo is the lead robot designer at TechLab Industries and the original creator of the ROZZUM line. She possesses a brilliant engineering mind and operates out of a highly advanced workspace. Despite her corporate position, she displays a deep curiosity about how her creations adapt and evolve outside their standard programming parameters, particularly when they interact with the natural world.
Creator of Roz
Observer of Brightbill
Jad is Mr. Shareef's son, a young boy growing up on Hilltop Farm. He carries the grief of losing his mother but finds distraction and entertainment in the newly arrived machine. He possesses a curious mind and enjoys playing games with the robot, gradually viewing her as a friend rather than a simple farm tool.
Jaya is Mr. Shareef's daughter, living on the family's dairy farm. She enjoys listening to stories under the large tree on the property and develops a strong emotional attachment to Roz. Her compassion drives her to treat the robot more like a living companion than a simple piece of agricultural equipment.
Shadow is a scarred wolf who leads a pack of predators in the wilderness surrounding Hilltop Farm. He targets the farm's cows for easy prey and resents any interference. He represents the ever-present danger of the wild and actively seeks revenge against those who thwart his hunting efforts.
Enemy of Roz
Threat to Brightbill
Annabelle is an older, wise cow at Hilltop Farm. Having been taken from her own family to work at the dairy, she shows empathy toward Roz's displacement. She acts as a calming influence on the younger herd members.
Friend of Roz
Herd Mate of Tess
Tess is a pragmatic cow at Hilltop Farm. She communicates her boredom during the winter months and appreciates the care she receives. She actively participates in barn conversations and looks forward to grazing in the spring pasture.
Friend of Roz
Herd Mate of Annabelle
Lily is a curious calf living at Hilltop Farm. She asks questions about human habits, such as why humans drink so much milk. She expresses happiness knowing she contributes to making desserts.
Friend of Roz
Loudwing is a goose who lived on the island with Roz and Brightbill. She serves as a supportive figure in the flock, maintaining a close bond with Brightbill and ensuring his safety during migration.
Guardian of Brightbill
Friend of Roz
Strutter is the lead pigeon residing in the city's central park. He possesses a vast communication network among the urban bird population and coordinates efforts to assist friendly animals passing through the area.
Friend of Brightbill
Ally of Roz
Thud is a young ram living in the rugged mountains. He struggles to control his natural charging instincts but maintains a helpful and friendly demeanor. He provides directions through difficult rocky terrain.
Guide for Roz
Sprinkles is a shy skunk who resides in a small cabin in the woods. She is generous with her shelter and assures visitors that she only uses her defensive spray when she feels nervous.
Host to Roz
Coral is a gentle and observant whale swimming in the ocean. She tracks travelers after hearing stories about them from passing geese, intervening to offer transportation and rescue when necessary.
Rescuer of Roz
Rescuer of Brightbill
Oscar is Mr. Shareef's elderly dog at Hilltop Farm. He spends his days resting around the property and exhibits a natural fear of loud noises and weapons.
Pet of Mr. Shareef
Wingtip is the leader of a flock of geese that stops to rest at Hilltop Farm. He is initially surprised to hear a robot speak his language but quickly respects Roz.
Acquaintance of Roz
Nadine is the owner of the local robot repair shop. She oversees the maintenance of farming equipment and offers upgrades to base model robots passing through her store.
Service Provider for Mr. Shareef