The Story of Dr. Dolittle characters

Appears from the start

A kindly physician in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh whose household fills with animals. After learning their languages from Polynesia, he gives up treating people and becomes an animal doctor, valuing his patients and companions more than money or social approval.

Appears from the start

The Doctor's practical sister and housekeeper. She worries that his growing collection of animals is driving away patients and ruining the household finances.

Appears from the start

Doctor Dolittle's loyal dog and a familiar member of the animal-filled household. Jip is lively, observant, and strongly attached to the Doctor.

Appears from the start

A capable duck in the Doctor's household. Dab-Dab is practical and forthright, and pays close attention to the home's daily needs.

Appears from the start

The pig in Doctor Dolittle's household. Gub-Gub is cheerful, easily excited, and intensely interested in meals.

First appears in chapter 2

A West African parrot of great age and confidence who knows many animal languages. She teaches Doctor Dolittle how animals communicate and serves as his adviser, interpreter, and strategist.

Appears from the start

An owl who lives with the Doctor. Too-Too is quiet and observant, with remarkably sharp hearing.

First appears in chapter 3

A crocodile brought to the Doctor as an animal patient who then asks to remain at the house. His presence frightens the human visitors and sharply worsens the Doctor's already serious money troubles.

First appears in chapter 6

The ruler of the African country where the Doctor lands. Remembering harm done by a previous white visitor, he distrusts Doctor Dolittle and initially refuses to let him travel onward to the sick monkeys.

First appears in chapter 8

The chief of the African lions, approached when the exhausted monkeys need stronger animals to help care for the sick. Proud and reluctant to serve creatures he considers beneath him, he must decide whether the emergency outweighs that pride.

Also known as Pushmi-pullyu

First appears in chapter 10

A rare, shy animal with a head at each end of its body. The grateful monkeys offer it to Doctor Dolittle, knowing that its unusual appearance may help him recover the money spent on their rescue.

First appears in chapter 11

The king's son, a bookish young man distressed by his appearance and eager for the Doctor's help. His private request gives the imprisoned travelers a possible way to obtain their freedom.

Also known as The Barbary Dragon

First appears in chapter 15

A feared pirate captain whose ship pursues the Doctor's vessel. He has terrorized sailors and coastal communities long enough for the sea birds to recognize both his ship and his methods.

First appears in chapter 17

A boy found aboard the pirates' ship, grieving for the fisherman uncle whose boat has disappeared. His appeal leads the Doctor and the animals to turn from their homeward course and search the sea.