Old Yeller characters

Appears from the start

A fourteen-year-old boy living with his family on the Texas frontier in the late 1860s. When his father leaves on a cattle drive, Travis is entrusted with the farm and takes the responsibility seriously. Proud of his growing competence and initially impatient with anything that creates more work, he narrates the story.

Also known as Yeller

First appears in chapter 2

A large, rough-coated yellow dog who arrives uninvited at the Coates farm. He is a shameless food thief and initially earns Travis's anger, but Little Arliss immediately claims him. His strength, courage, and frontier instincts soon make him valuable to the family.

Appears from the start

Travis's five-year-old brother, an energetic child who collects small wild animals and regularly gets into danger. He adopts Old Yeller without hesitation and defends the dog against Travis's efforts to drive him away.

Appears from the start

Travis and Arliss's capable mother, who manages the household while her husband is away. She expects Travis to carry an adult share of the work, treats injuries with frontier remedies, and balances practical judgment with sympathy for both boys.

Appears from the start

Travis and Arliss's father, who leaves home with other settlers to sell cattle in Kansas. Before departing, he puts Travis in charge of the family's farm work and urges him to act as the man of the household.

First appears in chapter 6

A young neighbor and friend of the Coates family. Thoughtful and dependable, she sometimes helps Katie with the work and pays close attention to Travis even when he is dismissive of her.

First appears in chapter 6

Lisbeth's talkative father and a neighbor of the Coates family. He is known for lingering over visits and news, but his concern for Katie and the boys while Jim is away is genuine.

First appears in chapter 5

A cattleman who arrives searching for a yellow dog that belongs to him. He recognizes Old Yeller and has a rightful claim to take him, forcing Travis and Arliss to face the possibility of losing the animal.