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The Library
of Alexandria

A character in The Wind in the Willows

Who is Otter?

By the Library of Alexandria · 2 minute read · Updated 23. Okt 2026

In short

  • Otter is a cheerful river neighbour and Rat's friend in The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.
  • He brings talk and good humour to the river community that Mole begins to discover.
  • He is devoted to his young son, Portly, whose disappearance prompts Rat and Mole to search.

Who Otter is

Otter belongs to the community along the river, where Rat introduces Mole to a new way of living. He drops by during their time on the water, full of conversation and good humour. His cheerful presence is part of the welcome Mole finds as he begins to feel at home among the river animals.

Otter and the others in the story

Otter is a friend of Rat and a father devoted to his young son, Portly. When Portly goes missing, Rat and Mole take the boat out at night to look for him. Their search brings a different mood to the familiar river, with silver light and strange music among the reeds.

Questions

Who is Otter in The Wind in the Willows?

Otter is a cheerful neighbour on the river and a friend of Rat.

Who is Otter's son?

Otter's young son is Portly, and Otter is devoted to him.

How does Otter meet Mole?

Otter drops by while Mole is enjoying the river with Rat. He arrives full of talk and good humour.

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