Character guide
Who is The Gruffalo in The Gruffalo?
Role in the story
Why The Gruffalo matters
The Gruffalo is part of the chain of encounters that makes The Gruffalo easy to follow. Each character helps children understand the pattern of danger, imagination and quick thinking at the heart of the story.
If you are looking for the whole plot, start with the Gruffalo story overview. If you want the complete cast, visit the Gruffalo character guide.
Questions about the Gruffalo character
Answers for searches about what a Gruffalo is, what he looks like, what the name means and how the character works in the story.
What is a Gruffalo?
A Gruffalo is a fictional monster from The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Mouse first invents him to scare away Fox, Owl and Snake, then discovers that the creature is real inside the story.
What does the Gruffalo look like?
The Gruffalo is described as a large monster with terrible tusks, terrible claws, orange eyes, a poisonous wart, a black tongue and purple prickles all over his back.
What does Gruffalo mean?
In the story, "Gruffalo" is the name Mouse gives to his invented monster. The word sounds rough, growly and memorable, which helps make the creature feel funny and frightening at the same time.
What role does the Gruffalo play in the story?
The Gruffalo is first Mouse's imaginary defence against danger, then becomes the final challenge Mouse must outwit. His role is to turn the story's joke around and prove that Mouse's cleverness matters more than size or strength.
Is the Gruffalo real?
The Gruffalo is not a real animal; he is a fictional storybook creature. Within the world of the book, though, Mouse meets the real Gruffalo after describing him to the other animals.

Listen screen-free
Hear The Gruffalo in the story
Voxblock is a screen-free audiobook player for children. Place the physical Gruffalo audiobook on the player and the story starts, making it easy for children to revisit favourite characters independently.
View The Gruffalo audiobook




