Summer of the Monkeys characters

Appears from the start

A fourteen-year-old boy growing up on his family's farm in the Cherokee Nation. Restless, determined, and eager to own a pony and a rifle, he sees the reward for a band of escaped circus monkeys as his chance to earn both. His confidence repeatedly runs ahead of his plans, but he keeps returning to the river bottoms after every setback.

Appears from the start

Jay Berry's younger twin sister, who was born with a disabled leg. She is imaginative, perceptive, and more interested in stories and wishes than in her brother's schemes. Jay Berry loves her even when their teasing turns into arguments.

Appears from the start

Jay Berry's loyal hound and constant companion in the river bottoms. Rowdy has courage and a keen nose, though the unfamiliar monkeys can confuse and frighten him as readily as they frustrate his owner.

Also known as Grandpa

First appears in chapter 2

Jay Berry's maternal grandfather, a storekeeper and practical inventor who takes the monkey hunt seriously. Patient and good-humored, he helps his grandson study the animals and devise traps while allowing him to learn from failure.

Also known as Mama

Appears from the start

Jay Berry and Daisy's mother. She manages the household with warmth and firmness and worries about the dangers her son finds in the bottoms. Daisy's health is a continuing concern for her.

Also known as Papa

Appears from the start

Jay Berry and Daisy's father, a farmer who moved his family to the Cherokee Nation to build a life of their own. He expects Jay Berry to meet his responsibilities even while the boy pursues the reward.

Also known as Grandma

First appears in chapter 2

Jay Berry's grandmother, whose home and kitchen are a place of reassurance during the monkey hunt. She shares Grandpa's affection for the children and understands Daisy's hopes especially well.

First appears in chapter 3

The large, intelligent chimpanzee leading the escaped circus animals. Jimbo recognizes traps, protects the smaller monkeys, and repeatedly turns Jay Berry's plans against him, making clear that he has been carefully trained around people.

First appears in chapter 3

A troop of small circus monkeys stranded in the river bottoms after a train wreck. They follow Jimbo, raid anything that interests them, and treat Jay Berry's traps as puzzles or toys rather than threats.