ROZZUM unit 7134 is a newly manufactured robot who washes ashore on a wild, uninhabited island. Programmed with survival instincts and the ability to learn, she observes the local wildlife to adapt to her surroundings. Her artificial nature contrasts with the wilderness, but she gradually attempts to integrate into the island's ecosystem.

Brightbill is a young gosling who loses his biological family in a rockslide. He adopts Roz as his mother, accepting her robotic nature despite the teasing of other goslings. As he grows, he develops into a strong swimmer and a natural leader among his peers.

The Recos (RECO 1, RECO 2, and RECO 3) are bulky, heavily armed combat robots sent to recover lost ROZZUM units. They are strictly bound to their programming and do not adapt or learn from new environments. They view any deviation from factory orders as a defect requiring immediate neutralization.

Loudwing is an elderly, practical goose who resides on the island. Though initially skeptical of Roz, she recognizes the robot's genuine intention to care for the orphaned gosling. She acts as an advisor, guiding the unusual pair through the early stages of the gosling's life.

Mr. Beaver is a skilled builder who lives with his family in a lodge on the pond. He has a stubborn streak and a quick temper but takes great pride in his architectural abilities. He appreciates good materials and challenging construction projects.

The Bears consist of Mother Bear and her two young, aggressive cubs, Nettle and Thorn. They consider the island their territory and view unknown entities as threats. The young cubs are inexperienced and blustery, often rushing into danger before understanding the consequences.

Chitchat is a highly energetic, talkative young squirrel who lives in a nearby tree. She worries that her constant chattering annoys others, making her deeply appreciative of patient listeners. She brings a sense of normalcy and socialization to the robot's household.

Tawny is a doe who understands the local flora. She is practical and cooperative, agreeing to help establish a garden on the condition that her family can graze there. Her guidance helps transform a barren clearing into a lush meeting place.

Fink is a local fox who relies on his cunning to survive. He is initially suspicious of new arrivals and looking for easy meals. He eventually learns to accept help when he finds himself in painful, vulnerable situations.

Pinktail is an opossum who uses performance as her primary survival strategy. She takes pride in her ability to convincingly fake her own death to deter predators. Her dramatic techniques provide valuable inspiration for adapting to the wild.

Mrs. Beaver is a practical, level-headed resident of the pond. She balances her husband's grumpiness with social grace and sensible manners, recognizing the value of good neighborly relations.

Paddler is the young son of the beaver family. He is curious and observant, quickly looking past outward differences to recognize kindness in others.

Rockmouth is a large, aggressive pike trapped in the pond. His hostility stems from being cut off from his original river home when the local dam was constructed, leaving him angry and isolated from his natural habitat.

Crownpoint is a large buck who leads his family herd. He is protective and cautious but willing to engage with unusual neighbors if it benefits his family's food supply.

Swooper is a local owl who serves as an aerial observer for the island. She is quick to report strange occurrences to the community and believes strongly that every creature has a specific, instinctual purpose.

Digdown is an older groundhog who has spent most of her life building elaborate tunnel systems. She is prone to anxiety but becomes reflective in her old age, reconsidering how she has spent her long life.

Longneck is the experienced, resilient leader of the goose flock. He understands the harsh realities of migration and bears the heavy responsibility of guiding his flock safely across vast, unknown territories.

Crag is an ancient turtle who has lived through over ninety winters. He holds the island's long-term environmental memory, noting how the climate and sea levels have drastically changed since his grandfather's time.

Broadfoot is a massive bull moose whose sheer size presents logistical challenges for winter sheltering. Despite his imposing physical presence, he is vulnerable to extreme weather and cooperative with community efforts.