The Wind in the Willows Character Analysis

Toad

One of the novel’s four main characters, Toad is conceited, selfish, and extremely wealthy. He lives in Toad Hall, a grand country residence on the river left to him by his father (who is presumably… read analysis of Toad

Mole

Mole is the first character readers meet; he leaves his cozy underground home at the beginning of the novel and never looks back. Mole is young, and he comes of age and finds himself when… read analysis of Mole

Rat

Rat is the first creature that Mole meets on the riverbank. He lives in a neat, well-furnished home built into the riverbank and loves nothing more than being out on his boat in the river… read analysis of Rat

Badger

Badger is one of Rat, Toad, and eventually Mole’s good friends. He’s a wealthy older gentleman who lives in the heart of the Wild Wood, in an extensive underground home that uses… read analysis of Badger

Otter

Otter is one of Rat, Badger, Mole, and Toad’s friends. He’s not a wealthy landowning gentleman like his friends, though; rather, his character is based off of Cockney street vendors. He’s… read analysis of Otter

The Gaoler’s Daughter

The gaoler’s daughter takes over guarding Toad from her father when Toad is in prison. She’s a pretty and kind young woman who loves animals as pets, though she doesn’t share this with Toad. Eventually… read analysis of The Gaoler’s Daughter

The Engine Driver

The engine driver drives the train that takes Toad away from prison and into the country. He’s a kind man who initially takes pity on Toad because he believes Toad’s washerwoman disguise and the story… read analysis of The Engine Driver

The Woman

Toad encounters the woman on a barge when he escapes from jail. She’s a stout woman, with big arms and mottled skin. The woman kindly offers to take Toad down the river when she believes… read analysis of The Woman

Minor Characters

The “Gipsy” Man

Toad encounters the “gipsy” man after stealing the woman’s horse. The man agrees to purchase the horse and give Toad a meal of wonderful stew. (Today, “gipsy” or “gypsy” are considered ethnic slurs for the Romani people.)

Portly

Portly is Otter’s young son who, at one point, goes missing for days. This is concerning because Portly doesn’t yet know how to swim well. Rat and Mole find Portly sleeping safely between the demigod Pan’s hooves.

The Wayfarer

The wayfarer is a seafaring rat who nearly convinces Rat to go south with him when they share a picnic. He was born in Constantinople and spends his time in Italian or French ports eating shellfish.

The Hedgehogs/Billy

When Rat and Mole wake up at Badger’s house, they discover two young hedgehogs, one named Billy, taking refuge from the snow in Badger’s kitchen. They clearly admire Badger in particular, and gentlemen more generally.

The Chief Weasel

The Chief Weasel leads weasels, stoats, and ferrets in storming Toad’s house, Toad Hall.