The Sheep-Pig characters

Appears from the start

A small piglet won by Farmer Hogget at a village fair. Separated from his mother, Babe is taken into the farmyard and adopted by the sheepdog Fly. He is curious, courteous, and willing to learn, and gradually wonders why a pig should not do the work of a dog.

Also known as The Boss

Appears from the start

A quiet, observant farmer who wins Babe by correctly estimating the piglet's weight. Hogget pays close attention to the animals and is prepared to test an unlikely idea when he notices Babe's unusual understanding of sheep.

Appears from the start

Farmer Hogget's practical and talkative wife. She views Babe first as a useful prize for the farm and is much less inclined than her husband to imagine that the piglet might have an extraordinary future.

Appears from the start

Hogget's experienced border collie, who takes charge of the newly arrived piglet and allows him to call her mother. Fly teaches Babe about farm life and sheepdog work, combining affection with the habits and assumptions of a working dog.

First appears in chapter 2

Fly's mate and another of Hogget's working sheepdogs. Proud of the traditional skills of his kind, Rex is doubtful that a pig belongs in the work for which sheepdogs have been bred and trained.

First appears in chapter 3

The oldest and most respected ewe in Hogget's flock. Maa responds to Babe's good manners and helps him understand that sheep cooperate when they are addressed with courtesy rather than insults and threats.

First appears in chapter 3

The flock on Hogget's farm, wary of dogs but willing to judge Babe by his behavior. Their trust gives him a way of moving sheep based on requests and cooperation rather than fear.