Travis Coates
Travis Coates is the protagonist of this story. He is a young man who lives on a ranch in Texas with his family. After his father leaves for work, Travis takes on some extra responsibility around the ranch and is required to grow up quickly.
Old Yeller
Old Yeller is a yellow dog who turns up at the farm one day. He is scruffy-looking so Travis initially rejects him, but the dog soon proves himself and Travis comes to love him. Sadly, Old Yeller dies at the end of the story after being attacked by a rabid wolf.
Travis' father
Travis's father is not present for much of the text. However, before he leaves for work, he makes it clear to Travis that he will soon have to grow up and take on some more responsibility. He tells his son "you look after the work and don't wait around for your mama to point out what needs to be done."
Arliss
Arliss is Travis's younger brother. Travis takes on the responsibility of looking after him and keeping an eye on him. At one point in the story, Arliss is saved from a bear by Old Yeller, which changes Travis's opinion about the dog.
