Millie meets Bertie when they are young at school in England. She is smart, kind, and supportive. As they grow up, she becomes even more important. she helps Bertie find the white lion again and stays by his side for the rest of his life. After Bertie dies, Millie writes down his story so others can remember him and the lion. She is strong and shows how important love and friendship are.

Bertie is the main character in the story. He grows up in South Africa and feels lonely, especially because he has to go to boarding school far away in England. Before that, he finds a white lion cub and takes care of it. The two become best friends. Sadly, Bertie is forced to leave the lion behind. Even when he becomes a soldier and grows up, he always remembers the lion. Bertie is brave, caring, and someone who never gives up on the ones he loves.