Character guide

Bambi

major

Also known as Prince Bambi, Presently Bambi, VI Bambi, Suddenly Bambi, Only Bambi, IX Bambi

Bambi grows up under his mother's watch, measuring himself against the elk whose kingly voices shake the forest and the old Prince whose solitude he cannot yet understand. His flaw is a raw, easily shaken fear; his gift is that he keeps listening, noticing, and testing himself against everything that frightens him. Those early lessons in caution, longing, and pride are what the rest of his life will be built on.

Gobo

supporting

Also known as poor Gobo, the silly little Gobo

Gobo is Faline's brother and Bambi's childhood companion, the frail one who once had to be coaxed through every thicket. When he reappears, he is proud of knowing more than the whole forest and strolls into open clearings without a moment's caution, certain that his protector will keep him safe. His return unsettles Bambi and Faline, who sense that the confidence he has brought back is not the same thing as wisdom.

Faline

supporting

Also known as Suddenly Faline, And Faline, the hysterical Faline

Faline runs through the forest beside Bambi from their first days in the glade, and she is the one who recognizes Gobo's voice when no one else does, rushing to him and weeping without shame. Her warmth pulls Bambi out of his solitary brooding, and her distress calls him back when he would otherwise chase a rival to the end. Loyal, expressive, and unguarded, she is the emotional center the young stags keep circling.

Prince Ronno

supporting

Also known as Ronno

Ronno is a seasoned rival who remembers Bambi as a frightened fawn and cannot quite believe the grown stag standing before him. His lameness has made him defensive and cruel, and he sneers at Bambi's warnings even as he sizes up a strength he did not expect. Their confrontation over Faline forces Bambi to decide what kind of stag he intends to be — and shows how much of the old order is brittle.

the squirrel

minor

A chatty and observant squirrel who comments on forest events.

the screech-owl

minor

Also known as the good old screech-owl

A wise but grumpy owl who offers cryptic advice to the animals.

Karus

minor

Also known as young Karus

A young stag and friend of Bambi, often seen in the herd.

Ena

minor

Also known as Aunt Ena

Faline's mother, a protective and caring doe.

the Hare

minor

Also known as Friend Hare, The good Hare

A friendly and talkative hare who interacts with Bambi.

old Nettla

minor

Also known as Nettla, Old Nettla

An elderly doe who shares wisdom about the forest and its dangers.

Marena

minor

Also known as Lately Marena, Even Marena

A doe who becomes quiet and withdrawn after traumatic events.

Mother

supporting

She leads Bambi through his first seasons, naming the elk, the screech-owl, and the dangers of the open, and she is frightened of things she cannot fully explain even to herself. Her calm is a shelter he will have to outgrow, and the lessons she gives him — about scent, silence, and the sound of thunder — are the ones that will keep him alive. Her presence defines the early forest for him; her absence defines everything after.

the stranger

minor

An unknown deer that appears briefly, causing curiosity and caution.

the old Prince

supporting

Also known as Prince, Noble Prince

The old Prince keeps to himself, refusing the company that other deer take for granted, and his silence makes him both admired and unapproachable. When Bambi resolves to greet him, the moment is shattered by a crash of thunder and the Prince's death, a warning about Him that no amount of gossip can soften. His aloofness and his end haunt Bambi, shaping the kind of solitude the young stag will one day choose for himself.

Blackguard

minor

A mysterious and feared figure, possibly a hunter or predator.

the bright stranger

minor

A luminous figure seen in the forest, possibly a supernatural presence.