The setting is back in the last ice age in Southern France (By the Mediterranean Sea). There were different settings throughout the story, (They were semi-nomadic). Settings include the Winter Caves, the Sea, The Autumn Camp, The Summer Mountains, and the snow house the family had to make (Between the Winter Caves and the Great Plain).

The main characters are Maroo, Otak, Old Mother, and Rivo. Maroo is suspected to be around 12-16 years old. She is one of the eldest in the group and is the book's main character. Otak is Maroo’s younger brother. He is suspected to be around 7-9 years old. He is one of the most important characters in the story. Old Mother is Maroo’s grandma. She is the leader of the tribe and she makes the most decisions. She is suspected to be around 40-60 years old. Rivo is the wild dog Maroo and Otak found early in the novel. He is vital to the family, and although Old Mother had second thoughts about keeping him early in the story, he is crucial. Areg is Maroo’s, Otak’s, Nimai’s dad, and the main hunter. He is sadly killed by falling to his death while hunting an Ibex in the middle of the book.