Dog Man: Grime and Punishment

George and Harold are the co-creators of the Dog Man comics. They are fourth-grade students and best friends. Their production and selling of their comic at the local mall creates the frame of the novel. George loves to make up stories; he writes the plot for the Dog Man comics. Harold loves to draw; he illustrates the comics that George writes. Their fun-loving and creative personalities are reflected in their creation and are qualities that Pilkey suggests are valuable.

Dog Man has the head of a dog and the body of a man; after a police dog and policeman were injured in an explosion, the dog’s head was sewn onto the body of the man. This creates a comic dog-like man, who ostensibly operates as a human police officer but is often drawn in mischievous dog-like acts, such as digging up gardens and licking people.

Despite the occasional faux pas caused by his canine tendencies, Dog Man is a kind-hearted character who is motivated to do good in the community; he bravely fights Crud, the immense supervillain, and later runs into Mayor’s burning home to save Mayor. His kindness is another quality lauded by the book. Through him, Pilkey shows how heroes can be imperfect.

Petey is a striped cat. His father is Grampa, and his son is Li’l Petey. Petey is an irritable character who tends to harbor dramatic grudges, but his son, Li’l Petey, fosters his innate goodness. Petey is initially driven by hatred of his father, Grampa, but decides to forgive him after Li’l Petey’s loving tendencies inspire him.

Li’l Petey is a small striped cat. His father is Petey, and his grandfather is Grampa. Li’l Petey is passionate about drawing; he loves his Comic Book Club. He is a curious and good-natured child who forgives others of wrongdoing, even Grampa, who previously had kidnapped Li’l Petey and put him in a garbage bin. Li’l Petey encourages his father, Petey, to adopt his loving approach. Through him, Pilkey portrays The Power of Forgiveness and Love.