The One and Only Ivan characters

Also known as The One and Only Ivan, The Mighty Silverback

Appears from the start

The gorilla narrator, who introduces himself simply as Ivan. He is alert to how humans see gorillas and distinguishes their expectations from his own understanding of himself.

First appears in chapter 15

The owner of Ivan and the mall animal show. Mack depends on the animals to attract paying visitors and controls their food, housing, and performances.

First appears in chapter 20

An elderly elephant kept in an enclosure near Ivan. Stella has an injured foot and a long memory of life outside the mall. Her steady companionship and knowledge make her a trusted friend to Ivan.

First appears in chapter 25

A small stray dog who slips freely through the mall and often sleeps on Ivan's stomach. Bob is sharp-tongued, resourceful, and fiercely proud of surviving without a human owner.

First appears in chapter 40

The mall's night cleaner, responsible for tidying the public areas and the animals' enclosures. He brings his daughter Julia to work and worries about keeping the job Mack provides.

First appears in chapter 40

George's young daughter, who spends evenings at the mall while he cleans. An observant artist herself, Julia shares paper and crayons with Ivan and treats his pictures as meaningful work rather than a novelty for sale.

First appears in chapter 40

A trained poodle who performs at the mall and rides on Stella during the show. Unlike Bob, Snickers has an owner and is accustomed to human care.

First appears in chapter 60

A very young elephant newly brought to the mall. Ruby is frightened and misses the safety of her mother and herd, but she is curious, talkative, and quick to seek comfort from Stella and Ivan.

First appears in chapter 120

Ivan's twin sister from his early life in the forest. His memories of playing and exploring beside Tag belong to the past he has tried not to revisit.

First appears in chapter 150

A female gorilla in the zoo troop Ivan observes after leaving the mall. Her presence gives him a chance to approach other gorillas and take a place among them.