Island of the Blue Dolphins Character Analysis

Karana

The protagonist of the novel, Karana is stranded on the Island of the Blue Dolphins, where she grew up, at age 12. When readers meet Karana, she’s responsible, dedicated, and caring. She and her older… read analysis of Karana

Rontu/The Leader

Rontu is Karana’s dog. Before she captures and tames him, she refers to him as “the leader,” as he’s the leader of the wild dogs’ pack. She believes he came to the Island of… read analysis of Rontu/The Leader

Ramo

Ramo is Karana’s six-year-old brother and Chief Chowig’s son. He’s small for his age, but very intelligent and observant. He’s often getting into trouble and making mischief, which is very annoying for Karana… read analysis of Ramo

Karana’s Father/Chief Chowig

Karana, Ulape, and Ramo’s father, Chowig, is the chief of the Native American tribe on the Island of the Blue Dolphins. Chowig is his “secret name”; he usually goes by another name… read analysis of Karana’s Father/Chief Chowig

Ulape

Ulape is Karana’s older sister. At 14, Ulape is “vain,” according to Karana, and she owns many more jewelry pieces. Ulape also dresses up to leave the island and puts a mark on her… read analysis of Ulape

Kimki

Kimki is an elderly man in Karana’s tribe who takes over as chief after Chief Chowig dies. He’s chosen because he was a good man and hunter in his youth. He makes the decision… read analysis of Kimki

Captain Orlov

Captain Orlov is the Russian captain of the Aleut ship. He’s blond and tall with a beard, and Karana observes that, from the moment he arrives, he acts as though he owns the Island of… read analysis of Captain Orlov

Tutok/The Girl

Tutok is an Aleut girl who comes to the Island of the Blue Dolphins with the Aleut hunters during the Aleuts’ second visit. She’s a few years older than Karana. At first, Karana is… read analysis of Tutok/The Girl

Mon-a-nee/Won-a-nee

Mon-a-nee is a young otter whom Karana finds, injured, in the kelp beds after the Aleut hunters return to the Island of the Blue Dolphins. His name means “little boy with large eyes.” Karana takes… read analysis of Mon-a-nee/Won-a-nee

Minor Characters

Rontu-Aru

Rontu-Aru is Karana’s second dog. Because he looks so much like Rontu, Karana figures that he’s Rontu’s son—his name means “son of Rontu.” Rontu-Aru is a faithful companion for Karana, just like his father was, and accompanies her across the sea when the white men finally return for Karana.

Matasaip

Matasaip takes over as chief briefly after Kimki takes a canoe east.

Nanko

Nanko is a young man in Karana’s tribe; Ulape is in love with him. He brings the news that Kimki sent the ship with white sails, and that the tribe is going to be leaving the island.

Tainor

Tainor is a male songbird that Karana tames after taking him from his nest as a hatchling. He’s Lurai’s brother.

Lurai

Lurai is a female yellow songbird that Karana takes from her nest as a hatchling and tames. Lurai has a brother, Tainor.