Rikki-Tikki-Tavi characters

Appears from the start

A young mongoose swept from his burrow by a flood and taken in by an English family in India. Curious, bold, and instinctively hostile to snakes, he explores the bungalow and garden before defending the household from the cobras that claim the grounds.

Appears from the start

The young son of the family that rescues Rikki after the flood. He quickly treats the mongoose as a pet and companion, and his safety becomes one of Rikki's chief concerns when the snakes threaten the bungalow.

Appears from the start

Teddy's father, an Englishman living with his family in a bungalow in India. He recognizes that a mongoose can protect a house from snakes and uses his gun when Rikki attacks Nag in the bathroom.

Also known as Teddy's Mother

Appears from the start

Teddy's mother, who is initially anxious about allowing a wild mongoose near her son. Rikki's defense of Teddy and the household earns her gratitude and trust.

Appears from the start

A large male cobra who lives in the garden with Nagaina and regards the human family as an obstacle to their control of the grounds. He attempts to surprise Rikki during their first meeting and later enters the bungalow to wait for Teddy's father.

Appears from the start

Nag's mate, a dangerous female cobra whose eggs are hidden in the garden. She plots with Nag against the household and, after his death, directly threatens Teddy while trying to preserve her last egg.

Appears from the start

A tailorbird who lives in the garden with his mate. He mourns a fledgling killed by Nag and supplies Rikki with information about the cobras, although fear sometimes makes him reluctant to act.

Appears from the start

Darzee's practical and courageous mate. Understanding the danger posed by Nagaina's eggs, she helps Rikki by drawing the female cobra away from the nest and later distracts her again near the veranda.

Appears from the start

A timid muskrat who creeps around the bungalow at night. His anxious hints alert Rikki that Nag and Nagaina are moving near the house, helping the mongoose locate the greater danger.