Name three things that we know about Rikki-Tikki-Tavi from the outset of the story.

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, a young mongoose, is the hero of the story. From the first part of the story, we learn that he is a fearless fighter, that he is curious, and that he is friendly towards people. The first paragraph gives an overview of the story, telling us that "he fought single-handed" in a war, although we don't know who the war was against. Although the big man tells his wife and son not to frighten Rikki, the narrator tells us that it is almost impossible to frighten a mongoose. A mongoose is a creature full of natural curiosity, and the first impulse of this particular mongoose once he is revived is to fulfill his kind's need to "run and find out," so he explores the bungalow. Not only that, however; he explores the people, climbing on Teddy's neck and tickling him. The mother is surprised that Rikki is acting so tame, but the father says that "all mongooses are like that." So in the first part of the story, readers learn that Rikki is a mongoose who is fearlessly curious, friendly, and a courageous fighter.