Fifteen Dogs (Tenth Anniversary Edition) characters

Appears from the start

The god of poetry and prophecy, encountered drinking with Hermes in a Toronto tavern. He argues that human intelligence would make other animals more miserable rather than happier and accepts a wager to test the claim on a group of dogs.

Appears from the start

The quick-minded divine messenger and Apollo's companion in the tavern. He takes the more hopeful side of their argument about consciousness, helping grant fifteen hospitalized dogs human intelligence and observing what follows.

Appears from the start

A physically imposing dog who becomes the dominant leader after the awakened animals escape. He values the inherited instincts, hierarchy, and social order of dogs, and regards the new humanlike habits of speech and reflection as threats to the pack.

Appears from the start

A black poodle whose intelligence makes him curious about cooperation and communication beyond ordinary canine life. He initially shares authority within the escaped group, but his willingness to explore their new capacities puts him at odds with Atticus's vision of the pack.

Appears from the start

One of the fifteen dogs, distinguished by the pleasure he takes in the new language. He invents poems shaped by canine senses and experience, an activity that makes expressive use of the gods' gift but separates him from pack members who distrust it.

Appears from the start

A small, clever member of the transformed group who is especially alert to hierarchy and to shifts in the other dogs' behavior. His quick reading of danger helps him navigate the pack's unsettled first days.

First appears in chapter 3

A Toronto woman who takes Majnoun into her household. Patient, imaginative, and willing to treat him as a mind rather than a possession, she works with him to develop a private system of communication and becomes his closest companion.

First appears in chapter 3

Nira's husband, who shares a home with her and Majnoun. He is less absorbed by the dog's unusual consciousness than Nira is, and the intense bond between them creates an unfamiliar shape within the household.