A Far Off Place

A spirited wildlife commissioner in the making, Nonnie is driven by her parents' legacy and a fierce commitment to stopping elephant poaching. She clashes with Harry at first but remains determined, resourceful, and courageous in the face of danger. She hides from poachers, leads the plan to uncover the ivory operation, and proves unwavering in her pursuit of justice.

A spoiled New York City teen who accompanies his father to the Kalahari. He initially clashes with Nonnie but grows through the ordeal, learning survival skills and how to work with others. Over time, he adapts, speaks some of the bushman language, and helps with the plan to outsmart the poachers.

A bushman friend who becomes a crucial guide for the children. He helps them recover after a leopard attack, teaches them how to read the land, and offers cultural insight that aids their survival. His knowledge and calm presence anchor the group during the desert trek.

A ruthless associate behind the ivory export operation, responsible for the Parkers' murder. He uses calculated moves and violence to protect the trafficking network, making him the principal antagonist. His plan unravels as the protagonists close in on the hoard of tusks.

Nonnie's father and a figure tied to the ivory trade. His involvement in the poaching operation places him at odds with Nonnie's mission, and his murder underscores the personal cost of wildlife crime. His presence frames the ethical tensions at the heart of the story.

Nonnie's mother, a devoted protector of family and wildlife. She is murdered in the anti-poaching conflict, leaving a legacy that fuels Nonnie's determination. Her memory motivates the pursuit of justice against those who threaten both people and elephants.

A close friend of the Parker family and a determined investigator. He leads the aerial search for the missing children and remains convinced there is a larger conspiracy behind the ivory trade. His persistence drives the pursuit to the mining facility where the tusks are stored.

Harry's father and a figure who accompanies the family to Africa. He becomes a casualty of the poaching conflict, underscoring the personal stakes of the fight against ivory trafficking. His memory shapes Harry's resolve and the story's emotional arc.