Where the Red Fern Grows

Old Dan is the male hound dog Billy acquires from a breeder out of state. He is a superb hunting dog. Practically everyone that meets Old Dan praises him for being a true hunter. His tenacity is extreme, often getting him into dangerous situations while hunting. He simply won’t give up, no matter what.

Old Dan is rough and single-minded, except when it comes to Little Ann. His bond to his sister runs so deep that he won’t eat without her (and vice versa, as in Little Ann’s fate).

When they tree a mountain lion, Old Dan’s tenacity comes back to haunt him. Because of his unwillingness to give up against a superior predator, Old Dan receives a mortal injury. In turn, Little Ann eventually perishes of grief. Their bond goes deeper than rhyme or reason, highlighting the otherworldliness of these hounds and their unique emotional intelligence.

Little Ann is the female hound in the pair Billy purchased. She is the runt of the litter and doesn’t act like a hound dog, but more like a collie or eternal puppy. Little Ann is a foil to Old Dan. Where he rushes in headlong, Little Ann thinks through situations. She never makes mistakes tracking a raccoon. She cleverly works out problems and even seems to listen to and understand Billy’s words.

Little Ann’s better judgment can’t save her, however. Although Old Dan gets them into the mess with the mountain lion (Little Ann knows better), Little Ann’s attachment to Old Dan supersedes even her own survival instinct. Where Old Dan goes, Little Ann follows, even in death.

Billy’s grandfather is one of his greatest allies within the story. He helps him make money by selling Billy’s berries and furs in his store. When the time comes to get his hounds, Grandpa sends off for them.

Grandpa is full of folk wisdom about hunting and about growing up. “I’m sure no one in the world can understand a young boy like his grandfather can” (85). Billy has a deep bond with Grandpa.

Grandpa shows his age and fragility, however, when he accompanies Billy and Papa on the competitive hunt. Although he survives his accident, Grandpa will never fully heal from the experience. He doesn’t show up again for the rest of the novel, and there is talk of him needing more help than usual because of his injury.

Mama is the mother of Billy and his three younger sisters (who Rawls never names). She is a descendant of the Cherokee people; this allows their family to live on tribal land. Mama is deeply religious and constantly worrying about her son. Out of everyone, she seems to know the dangers he’s facing out in the woods by himself. Still, she supports Billy in all ways (except for getting a gun).

Billy and his hounds answer Mama’s prayers. Her biggest aim is to get the family out of the country and into town, where the children will get a good education. Winning the prize money enables this dream to become a reality. Her concern for Billy’s education and for the well-being of the children is a reminder that Billy and his dogs are a means to a better end for a whole family, not just a sport to keep Billy occupied.

Papa is Billy and his sister’s father, and the son of Grandpa. He is hardworking and learned in the lifestyle of the Ozarks. Although he requires Billy’s help running the farm at times, he gives his son a lot of freedom to hunt. He accompanies Billy and Grandpa to the championship hunt, bonding the three of them. Papa proves himself very clever and knowledgeable in the backcountry. He is emotionally distant, but still cares for his family. When tragedy occurs, Papa brushes it off and tells Billy not to worry about it.

By the end, Papa believes more in the legends of the lands. This is mainly because of the magical quality of Billy’s hounds.