White Fang is the titular character of the novel. First introduced as “the gray cub,” White Fang is named by Grey Beaver for the ferociousness of his teeth, an indicator of his wolf heritage. The majority of London’s novel is told through a third-person omniscient point of view focusing on White Fang’s experiences. The novel follows White Fang’s character development from cubhood into adulthood.

White Fang’s life is characterized by constant conflict. As a cub, he is ripe for an early death and relies on his mother for her protection. HIs coming of age has several phases. First, he must learn how to hunt and live on his own in the wild. Next, White Fang’s experience of independence is cut short when he and his mother are overtaken by Grey Beaver’s group, and White Fang must learn how to depend on humans without letting go of his wild instincts. White Fang then experiences animal cruelty and abuse at the hands of Beauty but is saved by Scott. Finally, with Scott’s care, White Fang learns to love.

White Fang’s character development represents the value London places on civilization: Love is not possible in the Yukon wilderness, either among animals or men.