Characterization of Toad ( The Wind in the Willows )

Toad is the flightiest and pettiest character in The Wind in the Willows, due to a combination of immaturity and unrestrained wealth. He represents the British upper class, as he is an aristocrat living in his large inherited estate, Toad Hall, and has a snooty attitude towards those of lower class. The 'youngest' of the animals, he is quick to pick up and then dismiss expensive hobbies, most notably with motorcars. And yet Toad is often described by critics as the novel's most complex character, partly because he also cares deeply for his friends. They in turn worry about his habits, and eventually help him embody a more mature and grounded attitude towards life.

‘Get the boat out, and we’ll paddle up there at once. It’s never the wrong time to call on Toad. Early or late he’s always the same fellow. Always good-tempered, always glad to see you, always sorry when you go!’

‘He is indeed the best of animals,’ replied Rat. ‘So simple, so good-natured, and so affectionate. Perhaps he’s not very clever—we can’t all be geniuses; and it may be that he is both boastful and conceited. But he has got some great qualities, has Toady.’

Toad is rather rich, you know, and this is really one of the nicest houses in these parts, though we never admit as much to Toad.’