Rudi Matt is the 16-year-old protagonist of the novel. He is “small and slim” (11) but quick. He has delicate features and a “fair, pink-and-white complexion” (11), so boys tease him, calling him “angel face.” While this makes Rudi insecure at the beginning of the novel, he becomes more confident as he learns that his masculinity rests in his courage, not his appearance. Throughout his adventure, Rudi learns that Saxo, although he appears strong and powerful, is not honorable. On the other hand, while Franz and Winter might be less imposing, they are good leaders and have honor. Rudi still wrestles with selfishness when he leaves Winter and Franz to pursue Saxo. While he wants to leave Saxo to finish climbing, he knows that “two wrongs did not make a right” (267) and redeems his mistake by helping Saxo down the mountain.

Rudi’s strong sense of duty comes primarily from his father’s legacy. While Rudi never met his father, he clings to his legacy and what little he left behind—his shrine in the woods and his red flannel shirt. By advancing even farther than his father did and showing that he, too, is honorable, Rudi matures from a child to an adult.