Grey Beaver, a respected Native American chief, first encounters White Fang and his mother Kiche in the wilderness. He recognizes Kiche as his deceased brother's wolfdog, lost during a famine, and takes both her and her cub under his care. Observing the cub's white chest fur and teeth, he names him White Fang.

Within his community, Grey Beaver commands authority. His approach to animals emphasizes utility and discipline over affection, viewing them as working companions. He provides White Fang with structure and training, teaching camp behaviors and sled-running duties. While showing no outward kindness, he demonstrates responsibility, intervening when others threaten the animal without cause.

Grey Beaver operates on mutual respect with White Fang, not affection. He consistently rewards obedience and punishes disobedience, establishing himself as White Fang's unquestioned authority figure. Their relationship is a stoic interdependence, Grey Beaver valuing White Fang for his strength and utility as a sled dog and guardian.

Traveling to Fort Yukon for trading brings a significant shift. Grey Beaver encounters Beauty Smith, who exploits his vulnerability to alcohol. Smith plies him with whiskey, leading to intoxication and Grey Beaver's agreement to sell White Fang in exchange for liquor. This transaction marks a critical turning point, demonstrating how addiction overrides his prior responsibility.

Later events depict Grey Beaver suffering a severe fall from a cliff, resulting in serious injury off-screen within the narrative.

Grey Beaver's portrayal reflects cultural perspectives of his era. He embodies a figure bridging the natural world and human civilization, his understanding of animals and survival tempered by a worldview valuing practical mastery and hierarchy. His interactions with white settlers highlight contrasts in cultural values and power dynamics, though his character remains defined by his actions and relationship to White Fang.