A Christmas Story characters

Also known as Ralphie

Appears from the start

A schoolboy growing up in northern Indiana whose Christmas hopes center on receiving a Red Ryder air rifle. Imaginative and persistent, he turns ordinary family and neighborhood life into private campaigns, rehearsals, and adventures while trying to persuade the adults that the gift is suitable for him.

Also known as The Old Man

Appears from the start

Ralph's father, a forceful, competitive householder who wages ongoing battles with the furnace, the family car, and the neighborhood dogs. His bluster can make him seem unpredictable, but he takes genuine pleasure in family rituals and understands more of Ralph's Christmas longing than he initially admits.

Also known as Mother

Appears from the start

Ralph and Randy's practical, protective mother. She manages the household's commotion with patience, knows when her sons are concealing trouble, and firmly opposes Ralph's desired air rifle because she believes it could injure him.

Appears from the start

Ralph's younger brother, an easily overwhelmed child who must be bundled heavily against the winter cold. His complaints, slow meals, and dependence on his mother make him a constant part of the Parker family's Christmas preparations.

Appears from the start

One of Ralph's school friends and fellow participants in the neighborhood's challenges and arguments. He is susceptible to dares and the social pressure of the group, which can turn a foolish idea into an immediate test of courage.

Appears from the start

Ralph's teacher, whose classroom assignments give him an apparent opportunity to promote his Christmas wish. She is orderly and encouraging, but her adult judgment of the air rifle proves much closer to his parents' view than he expects.

First appears in chapter 4

A neighborhood bully whose size, heavy clothing, and threatening manner make him a source of dread for younger children on their way to and from school.

First appears in chapter 4

Scut Farkas's smaller companion, who reinforces the older boy's intimidation and helps him corner neighborhood children.

First appears in chapter 5

The Parkers' hillbilly neighbors, whose numerous unruly dogs repeatedly invade the Parker property. Their casual attitude toward the animals fuels a long-running feud with Ralph's father.