harlie Ashanti:
Charlie is brave and clever and a little bit lonely, but he'll do whatever it takes to rescue his parents - and he can talk to cats.

neba Ashanti
Charlie's huge Dad is happiest in the forests of Africa, but he knows his way round a laboratory too.

agdalen Start
Charlie's mum has - with Aneba - developed a possible cure for asthma - is that why they've been kidnapped?

afi Sadler
He's not quite a man, but more than a boy - with his leather coat and little beard, his criminal mind, mobile phone and memories of being bullied at school

he Young Lion
He was born in captivity but he knows his father was stolen from the forests, and he knows that circus life is just a prison for a wild animal.

lsina, the Youngest Lion
She's sweet and funny, but she's still wild at heart. She recognises Charlie's loneliness and knows that they can help each other

accomo
He is the greatest Liontrainer - so how come this little boy seems to know the Lions better than he does?

ajor Tib
He's tall and dashing, in a green velvet tailcoat, and he's devoted to his circus.

ergei
He may be scruffy and rude with a bald bum and his ear hanging off, but he is clever and loyal and when he decides something, it's as good as done.

he Oldest Lion
He's weakened by captivity now, but he is still the king of the pride, and his strength is just waiting for the call.

he Lionesses
Lionesses know how to be patient. They are lying in wait for any chance of freedom, and just because they're not mauling anybody now, that doesn't mean they won't.

ing Boris of Bulgaria
He has a twirling moustache and a life of luxury, and he can do almost anything he wants - so he is amazed to meet the Lions, and a boy who can do something no-one else can.