Dodo Character Analysis in My Family and Other Animals

Dodo is a female Dandy Dinmont Terrier whom Mother brings home as a companion. True to her breed's characteristics, Dodo is exceptionally loyal to her mistress—often loyal to a fault. She shadows Mother everywhere and refuses to even allow Mother to be in the bathroom alone. As the only female dog in the Durrell household, Dodo is an object of interest for Roger, Widdle, and Puke every time she goes into season, though Gerry doesn't think she's particularly intelligent and she's not sure what all the fuss is about. Puke is the only dog who is successful in wooing her, and Dodo has one puppy with him. Dodo also has a bad hip that pops out of its socket at the slightest provocation.

Dodo Character Timeline in My Family and Other Animals

The timeline below shows where the character Dodo appears in My Family and Other Animals. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Friendship and the Care of Animals Theme Icon

The new dog, Dodo, is a female Dandy Dinmont terrier. She vomits in the car the entire way home... (full context)

Dodo also proves fairly unintelligent. She becomes extremely possessive of Mother, even following Mother across the... (full context)

The puppy proves a problem for Dodo, as she's torn between sitting with it and following Mother. Dodo tries to carry her... (full context)

...the lilies are in bloom, and Mother insists they must go by boat so that Dodo doesn't vomit in the car. Leslie asks why Dodo won't be sick in the boat,... (full context)

Dodo finally notices Alecko and curiously approaches him. It's sheer luck that she turns her head,... (full context)

Childhood, Adulthood, and Education Theme Icon

On the morning of the party, Mother is annoyed to discover that Dodo is in season. She hires a peasant girl to beat off the canine suitors. As... (full context)

...a bag full of game. He goes into the house to bathe and Mother and Dodo come out to socialize. Mother waves a stick at the male dogs assembled in the... (full context)

Dodo decides to step outside and comes face to face with a terrifying, belligerent pack of... (full context)