Mole is an innocent, burrow-dwelling animal who leaves his underground home to experience the world above. Ignorant of life on the surface, he is easily fascinated by the river and the surrounding natural environment. He proves friendly and eager to learn, though he sometimes acts impulsively out of youthful exuberance, making him a willing student to his more experienced friends.

Rat is a practical water vole who loves nothing more than spending his days splashing around in boats. Deeply devoted to his home on the river, he serves as a seasoned guide to the ways of the water for newcomers. He balances a carefree, leisurely lifestyle with a responsible streak, providing a steadying presence for his unpredictable companions.

Toad is a wealthy amphibian who lives at the grand Toad Hall. He constantly searches for thrills, throwing himself completely into new, expensive hobbies like horse-drawn caravans or motor-cars. Despite his arrogant attitude and comical incompetence, he possesses a generous spirit and remains deeply attached to his circle of friends.

Badger is a large, imposing creature who resides deep within the Wild Wood in a sprawling underground home. He dislikes social calls and avoids crowds, projecting a gruff exterior to anyone who crosses his path. Despite this grumpy demeanor, he acts as a protective father figure to the other animals, possessing the sheer physical size to command respect from the less savory woodland residents.

The Weasels and Stoats are aggressive predators who inhabit the dense, shadowy regions of the Wild Wood. They form a loose criminal element within the forest, often mocking or threatening smaller creatures who wander too far from safety. They are opportunistic scavengers who look for any chance to claim territory that does not belong to them.

Otter is a sleek river resident who shares Rat's deep passion for aquatic life. He is a sociable fixture of the neighborhood, constantly bringing news and gossip to his friends. Though fierce toward animals he disrespects, he is highly devoted to his family and fiercely guards his young offspring.

The Chief Weasel serves as the primary agitator among the predatory animals living in the Wild Wood. He delights in causing trouble and mocking those he considers foolish or weak. He is highly vocal in his disrespect for proper landowners and relishes any opportunity to assert his dominance over the local area.

Pan is a bearded, hoofed demigod of the fields and forests who exudes an aura of immense, quiet power. He resides in the hidden, sacred pockets of nature, playing beautiful music on his pipes. He acts as a gentle divine guardian over lost young animals, projecting an awe-inspiring presence that leaves those who meet him in a state of wonder.

Portly is Otter's young, adventurous son who has a habit of wandering away from home. Being a toddler who has not yet mastered swimming, his frequent disappearances cause immense worry for his father and the surrounding river community.

The Jailer's Daughter is a kind-hearted young woman who assists her father with his duties at the local prison. Fond of animals, she takes pity on her more unusual inmates, using warm meals and gentle conversation to lift their spirits. She is resourceful and willing to bend the rules to help creatures she feels sorry for.

The Prison Washerwoman is the aunt of the jailer's daughter and works maintaining the clothing for the inmates. She is highly pragmatic and strictly motivated by financial gain, willing to part with her own garments and look the other way if compensated with gold coins.

The Train Engineer is a working-class railway operator who dislikes the interference of authority figures and police officers. He is a sympathetic man whose heart softens when faced with desperate pleas, demonstrating a willingness to aid those in distress if they promise to do laundry in return.

The Barge Woman is a stout, hardworking captain filling in for her husband on the waterways. She is practical and no-nonsense, expecting anyone asking for a favor to work for their keep. She has little patience for conceit or incompetence and is quick to anger when insulted.

The Gipsy is a nomadic traveler camped alongside the open road. He is a shrewd negotiator who knows how to spot a desperate seller, using a pot of hot food as leverage to secure a highly favorable business deal.

The Seafaring Rat is an experienced, worldly traveler who hails from Constantinople. Having lived on ships and visited great coastal cities across Europe, he speaks with a passionate intensity about the joys of a wandering lifestyle. He acts as a charming but disruptive influence on those who live settled lives.