Content Warning: This section references colonialism and ethnic stereotypes.

As the titular character and protagonist, Rikki-tikki-tavi is a dynamic character who gains confidence as he goes from being a flood victim that the family takes in to the family’s protector and pet. Rikki-tikki-tavi is a mongoose whose name derives from his “war-cry”: “Rikk-tikk-tikki-tikki-tchk!” (1). The association with battle is significant, highlighting not only Rikki-tikki-tavi’s courage but also his adherence to cultural expectations: According to the story, mongooses pride themselves on killing snakes, which they regard as a duty. Although Teddy’s mother assumes Rikki-tikki-tavi is kind to the family merely out of gratitude, this sense of honor motivates Rikki-tikki-tavi’s choice to stay with and protect Teddy’s family.

Besides snakes, Rikki-tikki-tavi also shows mistrust of characters who are cowardly or passive, like Chuchundra and Darzee. His faith in his abilities grows throughout the story; he fears Nagaina and fails to seize her firmly enough when she first attacks, but he kills each snake as he meets them for the rest of the story. In the conclusion, as Rikki-tikki-tavi rests in a snake-less bungalow, he takes pride and satisfaction in his work, thinking, “All the cobras are dead; and if they weren’t, I’m here” (18).