# Badger — The Wind in the Willows character guide

> Badger in The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Badger, old Badger, Dear old Badger

**First appearance:** 0002-iii-the-wild-wood

## Snapshot

Reclusive, formidable badger of the Wild Wood whose rare appearances carry the weight of moral authority on the riverbank.

## Who they are

Badger lives deep in the Wild Wood and hates society, invitations, and dinner, yet his unseen influence is felt by every animal along the river. When he strides into Rat's parlour to declare that Toad's hour has come, the room falls silent and the egg-spoon drops. His gravity and his willingness to take Toad in hand give the early story its spine, promising that the coming rescue will be serious, necessary, and long overdue.

## Relationships

### [Mole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/characters/mole)

_friendship_

Badger is a wise and protective friend to Mole, offering shelter and guidance, especially during Mole's early adventures.

### [Otter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/characters/otter)

_friendship_

Badger and Otter are friendly acquaintances, united by their shared circle of riverbank friends and mutual respect.

### [Billy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/characters/billy)

_friendship_

Badger is a friendly elder to Billy, a young otter, offering guidance and companionship.

### [Chief Weasel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/characters/chief_weasel)

_rivalry_

Badger is a direct adversary to Chief Weasel, leading the charge to reclaim Toad Hall from the weasel invasion.

### [Mole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/characters/mole)

_friendship_

Badger is a wise and protective friend to Mole, offering shelter and guidance, especially during Mole's early adventures.

### [Mole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/characters/mole)

_friendship_

Badger is a wise and protective friend to Mole, offering shelter and guidance, especially during Mole's early adventures.

### [Otter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/characters/otter)

_friendship_

Badger and Otter are friendly acquaintances, united by their shared circle of riverbank friends and mutual respect.

### [Otter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/characters/otter)

_friendship_

Badger and Otter are friendly acquaintances, united by their shared circle of riverbank friends and mutual respect.

## In the story

### [The River Bank](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/chapters/i-the-river-bank)

Mentioned by Rat as a resident of the Wild Wood, respected and not interfered with.

### [Mr. Badger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/chapters/iv-mr-badger)

Hosts Mole and Rat, provides shelter and food, plans to reform Toad.

### [Mr. Toad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/chapters/vi-mr-toad)

Leads the intervention, delivers a stern lecture, and is furious at Toad's escape.

### [Toad’s Adventures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/chapters/viii-toad-s-adventures)

Mentioned fondly by Toad as 'wise old Badger' during his lament.

### [X: The Further Adventures of Toad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/chapters/x-the-further-adventures-of-toad)

Not directly present in this chapter; Toad's adventures are solitary.

### [Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/chapters/xi-like-summer-tempests-came-his-tears)

Reveals the secret underground passage to Toad Hall and takes charge of the plan; scolds Toad for his past behavior.

### [The Return of Ulysses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/chapters/xii-the-return-of-ulysses)

Organizes the banquet and keeps Toad in check, insisting on proper invitations and modest behavior.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/characters/badger
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wind_in_the_willows_se/characters