The Call of the Wild

Main Characters and Their Development

• Buck - the main character, a St. Bernard-Scotch Collie mix. At the beginning of the book, he lives in California at Judge Miller's estate but is kidnapped and sold as a sled dog in Alaska. Gradually, Buck adapts to the harsh northern conditions, becomes a sled leader, and eventually returns to his wild instincts, becoming the leader of a wolf pack.
• John Thornton - the man who saves Buck from mistreatment. He becomes a true friend and master to Buck. Thornton shows care and love for Buck, helping the dog regain trust in humans. However, after Thornton's death, Buck fully returns to the wild.
• Francois and Perrault - Canadian couriers who buy Buck after his kidnapping. They train him and other dogs for sledding. Francois and Perrault are fair and experienced, helping Buck survive and grow stronger.
• Spitz - the sled leader before Buck's arrival. He is cruel and aggressive, constantly clashing with Buck. Eventually, Buck defeats Spitz in a fight, symbolizing his rise to leadership.
• Manuel - Judge Miller's gardener, who kidnaps Buck and sells him to earn money. His actions set off the chain of events that lead Buck to his destiny in the North.