Peter is our protagonist: a 12-year-old boy whose father goes off to war. He loves animals very deeply. Peter is sensitive in a way that doesn’t usually appear in modern media—this shows the reader it is okay to have feelings, and to love others very deeply.

While Peter turns his back on nature (which Pax represents) at the beginning of the novel in favor of humanity (which his father represents), by the end of the novel, Peter is more in touch with his animalistic tendencies and ensures the safety of Pax. Peter’s coming-of-age development appears in his encouragement of Vola; his resourcefulness in fixing his crutches and scaring a coyote; and his ability to let Pax move onto a better life, even though Peter doesn’t want to lose Pax.

Pax is the story’s secondary protagonist: a fox with incredible loyalty to Peter who doesn’t see humans as the enemy. His very existence helps forge a peace between humans and animals. His role is especially significant, as the name Pax means peace.

Pax also undergoes a transformation in the novel that mirrors Peter’s. Initially, Pax is unable to fend for himself in the wild and relies on other foxes to feed and protect him.