Fodder-wing Forrester is the youngest son of the Forrester family, neighbors to the Baxters in the Florida backwoods. He lives with a significant physical disability, described as having a hunchback and a twisted body from birth. His unusual nickname originates from an attempt to fly as a boy, when he attached bundles of fodder, or hay, to his arms and jumped from a barn roof, resulting in broken bones but showcasing his boundless curiosity.

Despite his frail and deformed physique, Fodder-wing possesses a spirited and generous nature. He is characterized by a vivid imagination and a tendency to tell elaborate stories that he believes are true, such as claiming a Spaniard on a black horse rides past a specific magnolia tree. His defining trait is a profound, intuitive connection to wild animals. He maintains a large, ever-changing menagerie of pets, including an eagle, swamp rabbits, a fox-squirrel, and a raccoon, which fascinates his best friend, Jody Baxter. Fodder-wing is fiercely protective of wildlife and opposes hunting; he once physically tried to stop his father from shooting a bear that was threatening the family's crops.

Fodder-wing serves as Jody Baxter's closest companion. In a family known for its loud, violent, and lawless behavior, Fodder-wing is the gentle exception, and he is petted and loved by his massive brothers and parents. He offers Jody an escape and a shared wonder for the natural world, which contrasts sharply with the hard, survival-focused life on the Baxter farm. His motivations are simple: to care for injured or orphaned creatures and to live in a world of stories and friendship, free from the harsh realities he perceives around him. He expresses a desire to leave the dangerous forest environment, viewing it as a place of famine, flood, and hardship.

Fodder-wing’s most significant role in the story is his impact on Jody, which continues even after his death. He is the one who gives Jody’s pet fawn its name, Flag, a name he had already chosen before passing away. His death is a profound loss that deeply affects both his own family and Jody, acting as a key step in Jody’s journey toward maturity. During his funeral, the Baxters are asked to deliver the eulogy, where they speak of his unique kindness and his way with animals. Fodder-wing’s development is limited due to his early death, but his character serves as a symbol of pure empathy and the innocent love of nature. His notable ability is his almost mystical talent for understanding and befriending wild animals, especially those that, like himself, are crippled or different through no fault of their own. He perceives the forest not as Jody does, as a beloved home, but as a harsh, bleak place where survival is a constant challenge, giving him a unique and melancholic wisdom.