<Ul> <Li> Mole : Known as `` Moly '' to his friends . An altruistic , humble , loyal , polite , home - loving animal , and the first character introduced in the story . Fed up with spring cleaning in his secluded home , he ventures into the outside world . Initially overawed by the hustle and bustle of the riverbank , he eventually adapts . He proves intelligent as shown with his trickery on stoat then tries to prevent them from reinforcing the weasels during the fight with Toad Hall . </Li> <Li> Rat : Known as `` Ratty '' to his friends ( though actually a water vole ) , he is cultured , relaxed and friendly , and enjoys a life of leisure ; when not spending time on the river , he composes doggerel . Ratty loves the river and takes charge of Mole . He can be stubborn when it comes to doing things outside his riverside lifestyle , but can do which must be done as shown when he risks his safety to help Mole in the Wild Wood and to help free Toad Hall from the weasels . </Li> <Li> Mr. Toad : Known as `` Toady '' to his friends , The wealthy scion of Toad Hall who inherited his wealth from his late father . Although good - hearted and optimistic , he is also arrogant , conceited , and impulsive . He is prone to obsessions and crazes ( such as punting , houseboats , and horse - drawn caravans ) . He gets bored with each of these in turn , and drops them . His motoring craze eventually sees him imprisoned for theft , dangerous driving , and gross impertinence to the police . Several chapters of the book chronicle his daring escape from prison . </Li> <Li> Mr. Badger : A gruff but benevolent soul , Badger embodies the `` wise hermit '' figure . A friend of Toad 's deceased father , he is uncompromising with the irresponsible Toad , yet hopes that his good qualities will prevail . He lives in a vast underground sett , part of which incorporates the remains of a buried Roman settlement . A brave and a skilled fighter , Badger helps clear the Wild Wooders from Toad Hall with his large stick . </Li> </Ul>
who are the main characters in the wind in the willows
Mole Rat Mr. Badger Mr. Toad