The Story of Doctor Dolittle, Revised Edition characters

Appears from the start

A generous physician in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh whose crowded household of animals drives away his human patients. After learning animal language from Polynesia, he finds his true vocation treating creatures and accepts a distant mission when African monkeys need his help.

Appears from the start

Doctor Dolittle's sister and housekeeper. Practical about money and the condition of the house, she is frustrated by the animals that have taken over her brother's life and discouraged his patients.

First appears in chapter 2

A knowledgeable parrot who reveals that animals speak languages of their own. She teaches Doctor Dolittle to understand them and becomes the shrewd organizer of his household and travels.

First appears in chapter 2

Doctor Dolittle's faithful dog. He accompanies the Doctor on the African expedition and contributes a remarkably sensitive nose when the travelers later need to find someone lost at sea.

First appears in chapter 3

A sensible duck in Doctor Dolittle's household. She manages practical tasks at home and travels with the Doctor when he sets out to treat the monkeys in Africa.

First appears in chapter 3

An owl who belongs to Doctor Dolittle's circle of animals. His exceptional hearing and nighttime awareness make him a dependable member of the traveling party.

First appears in chapter 3

A young pig in Doctor Dolittle's household. Fond of meals and comforts, he nevertheless joins the difficult sea journey to Africa with the other animals.

First appears in chapter 4

A monkey who brings an urgent message from Africa, where a severe illness is spreading among the monkeys. His appeal prompts Doctor Dolittle to undertake the voyage, and he accompanies the expedition.

First appears in chapter 8

A proud lion whose influence matters when Doctor Dolittle needs the African animals to help care for large numbers of sick monkeys. He is initially reluctant to assist animals he considers beneath him.

First appears in chapter 10

A gentle and extremely rare animal with a head at each end. The monkeys introduce it to Doctor Dolittle after the epidemic, and it agrees to accompany him as he prepares to return home.