Red (Larrikins)

Red is a red kangaroo with a weathered soul and a fighter’s stance. He’s the kind of character who doesn’t ask for trust but earns it. In Larrikins, Red was designed as the reluctant protector, the dry-witted foil to Perry the bilby’s wide-eyed optimism. Beneath his stoic exterior lies a heart that’s been scorched by loss, loyalty, and the harsh beauty of the Australian outback. Personality: • Core Traits: Stoic, pragmatic, fiercely loyal, emotionally guarded • Temperament: Calm under pressure, but quick to act when others are in danger • Humor: Dry, sarcastic, often delivered in muttered one-liners (“You call that a plan?”) • Arc: Starts as emotionally detached and survival-focused, but gradually reveals a deep capacity for empathy and sacrifice Emotional Depth: • Backstory: Rumored to have lost a sibling or close friend in a past flood or bushfire—this fuels his reluctance to form new bonds • Protective Nature: Though he claims not to care, Red is the first to shield Perry and others from danger, often silently • Key Line: “I’m just Red. This is me.” — delivered during a moment of vulnerability, when he finally accepts his role as protector • Symbolism: Represents the tension between instinct and emotion, solitude and connection