Main Characters:
* Mowgli: The young human boy raised by wolves in the jungle. He is the central character and the story revolves around his journey of self-discovery and his struggle to find his place in the world.
* Bagheera: A cunning and intelligent black panther who becomes Mowgli's mentor and protector.
* Baloo: A carefree and jovial sloth bear who teaches Mowgli the ways of the jungle and the importance of living in the moment.
* Shere Khan: A fearsome tiger who is Mowgli's main antagonist. He is driven by a desire for revenge and a hatred for humans.
Other Important Characters:
* Akela: The leader of the wolf pack, who initially supports Mowgli's integration into the pack.
* Raksha: Mowgli's adoptive wolf mother, who fiercely protects him.
* Kaa: A hypnotic python who is both alluring and dangerous.
* King Louie: A powerful orangutan who desires to learn the secret of fire from Mowgli.
* The Bandar-log: A mischievous troop of monkeys who are known for their lack of discipline and intelligence.
* Hathi: The wise and respected elephant who leads the elephant herd.
* The Dhole pack: A ruthless and dangerous pack of wild dogs that pose a threat to Mowgli and the other animals.
Human Characters:
* Messua: A human woman who lives in the jungle with her husband. She is later revealed to be Mowgli's biological mother.
* The Village Headman: The leader of the human village where Mowgli eventually finds himself.
It's important to note that the characters and their roles may vary slightly depending on the specific adaptation of The Jungle Book.