The following animals play an important role in this novel and have characteristics very similar to those of human beings (called anthropomorphism):
Buck This dog is the "main character" of the novel. Buck's father was a huge Saint Bernard, and Buck's mother was a huge Scotch shepherd dog. The central concern of The Call of the Wild is Buck's transformation from a civilized dog of the South to an animal capable of coping with the most adverse conditions in the Far North. Buck is used to illustrate London's idea of the "survival of the fittest" and the retreat to the potential primitive or primordial beast that lies within each animal or individual. This is also a magnification of the philosophy of naturalism, a philosophy which London was often concerned with in his writings.
Curly Buck's friend and companion on the arduous boat trip to the North. Curly is described as a "good-natured Newfoundland." Curly does not survive long, however, and Buck learns a painful lesson when he sees how easily Curly is killed while trying to be friendly with another dog.
Spitz The dog that kills Curly; not unexpectedly, Spitz becomes Buck's most bitter enemy. Later, Spitz is killed by Buck in a dog fight which is central to the novel. Buck's victory entitles him to take over the commanding power position that once belonged to Spitz. Buck's fight-to-the-death with Spitz illustrates Buck's ability to survive among even the most primitive elements.
Dave, Billee, Joe, Sol-leks, Dolly, Pike, and Dub Other dogs that serve on the dogsled team with Buck.
Skeet and Nig Two of John Thornton's dogs that he owned before he adopts Buck.
