Dog Days characters

Appears from the start

A middle-school student beginning his summer vacation with a clear preference for staying indoors, closing the curtains, and playing video games. Greg treats nearly every family outing or friendship problem as an obstacle to the quiet summer he planned.

Appears from the start

Greg's cheerful best friend, whose family belongs to a country club. Rowley gives Greg access to swimming, snacks, and a later seaside trip, though Greg's behavior repeatedly puts their friendship under pressure.

Also known as Mom

Appears from the start

Greg's mother, who believes summer should include reading, exercise, affordable family activities, and time together. Her organized plans conflict with Greg's wish to spend the vacation alone with electronic entertainment.

Also known as Dad

Appears from the start

Greg's father, who expects more outdoor activity and practical effort from his son. Summer gives Frank more opportunities to attempt father-son bonding, but also more time to become frustrated by Greg's decisions.

Appears from the start

Greg's older brother, whose independence and limited interest in family activities let him avoid some of the summer plans imposed on Greg.

Appears from the start

Greg's young brother, who accompanies the family through its summer outings and continues to receive concessions that Greg considers unfair.

First appears in chapter 2

Rowley's father, who is prepared to include Greg in family activities but expects him to behave responsibly. Greg's assumptions about country-club charges and his conduct on a family trip test that patience.

First appears in chapter 2

Rowley's mother, who helps host Greg when he joins the Jefferson family. Her presence makes Greg's later clashes with the family part of more than his friendship with Rowley alone.

First appears in chapter 2

A popular older girl on whom Greg has a persistent crush. Her summer job at the country club gives Greg another reason to spend time there and to imagine a more glamorous vacation than he is actually having.

First appears in chapter 7

An eccentric classmate who lives nearby. When Greg's usual friendship is strained, Fregley remains one of the few available children in the neighborhood, though Greg is uncomfortable around him.

First appears in chapter 5

A lively dog brought into the Heffley household. Sweetie's energy, noise, and demands quickly disrupt the family routine and prove different from the companionship the adults imagined.