Island of the Blue Dolphins characters

Appears from the start

A girl of the Ghalas-at people who lives with her community on a small island off the California coast. Alert, capable, and strongly attached to her younger brother Ramo, she watches an unfamiliar hunting ship enter the harbor and senses danger in its arrival.

Appears from the start

Karana's energetic younger brother. His curiosity and pride often outrun his judgment, and he is eager to be treated as more grown-up than he is.

Also known as Chief Chowig

First appears in chapter 2

Karana's father and the chief of Ghalas-at. He negotiates with Captain Orlov over payment for the sea otters the visitors intend to hunt and remains wary of their promises.

First appears in chapter 2

The Russian captain of a ship carrying Aleut hunters. He bargains with Chowig for permission to hunt sea otters around the island, but the arrangement places the islanders and the visitors in an uneasy confrontation.

First appears in chapter 3

Karana's older sister, who shares the islanders' work and later boards the rescue ship with the surviving community.

First appears in chapter 6

A respected man who becomes chief after the Aleut hunters' departure leaves the village devastated. He sets out alone for a country across the sea, hoping to find a safer home and send help back for his people.

First appears in chapter 12

The leader of the island's wild dog pack, larger and more formidable than the others. Karana recognizes him as an Aleut dog left behind after the hunters' visit and regards him as her chief enemy.

First appears in chapter 18

A young sea otter Karana finds wounded after hunters return to the island's waters. She brings food while the animal heals and gives it a name, beginning another of the bonds that ease her isolation.

First appears in chapter 22

A young Aleut girl who comes ashore while another hunting party is camped on the island. Though Karana initially hides from her as an enemy, Tutok approaches with friendly curiosity and the two cautiously exchange words and gifts.

First appears in chapter 27

A young wild dog whose appearance reminds Karana of Rontu. She captures and tames him during her later years on the island and names him for that resemblance.