The Trumpet of the Swan characters

Appears from the start

An eleven-year-old boy who loves wildlife and keeps a journal of what he observes. While camping alone in Canada, he finds a pair of nesting trumpeter swans and wins the cob's cautious trust by behaving quietly and respectfully.

Also known as The old cob

First appears in chapter 2

The proud male trumpeter swan guarding his mate's nest on a Canadian pond. He speaks in grand, formal declarations and regards humans warily, though Sam's restraint begins to change his judgment.

First appears in chapter 3

The female trumpeter swan nesting beside the Canadian pond. More practical and less suspicious than her mate, she recognizes Sam as a gentle visitor and concentrates on protecting and hatching her eggs.

First appears in chapter 5

A young trumpeter swan born without a voice. He can swim and fly like the other cygnets but cannot make the call for which his species is named, leaving him unable to answer his family in the usual way.

First appears in chapter 8

A young female trumpeter swan who grows up near Louis. He admires her, but his inability to call prevents him from attracting her attention in the customary swan courtship.

Also known as Mr. Beaver

First appears in chapter 6

Sam's father, who listens seriously to his son's unusual account of the voiceless swan. He helps Sam think through practical ways that Louis might communicate.

First appears in chapter 6

Sam's teacher, who allows Louis into the classroom and helps him learn to read and write. She treats the swan as a pupil while adapting the classroom to his size and abilities.

First appears in chapter 11

The director of Camp Kookooskoos in Ontario, where Sam works for the summer. He hires Louis as the camp bugler after hearing him play and pays him for his work.

First appears in chapter 12

A camp boy who ignores the rules and takes a canoe onto the lake alone. When the canoe overturns, his danger gives Louis an urgent chance to use his strength and swimming skill.