Nono is a chipmunk captured as a baby alongside her mother and confined to a zoo. After her mother died from captivity-induced stress, promising to return in spirit, Nono developed a profound longing for the North Forest—a symbol of freedom contrasting her enclosure. Initially believing the zoo encompassed the entire world, she discovered the truth through Glikko's tales of the wilderness and persuaded him to let her join his journey by revealing her captive past.

Throughout their trek, Nono endured physical hardships: a leg injury from a fall during a black cat ambush, a debilitating fever that made her urge Glikko to abandon her for his safety, and the recurring pain from her injury during a hawk attack. Despite her weakening state, she demonstrated caution by recognizing persistent threats like the hawk even after temporary escapes. During a snowstorm, she shared her full history—her capture and her mother's death—deepening her trust in Glikko while confessing doubts about reaching the forest.

In the climax near the North Forest, Nono aided Glikko against a fox, intervening with Pippo until both were overpowered. When the fox cornered Glikko at a cliff, Nono joined others in urging him to jump to safety. She witnessed the fox's defeat, celebrated Glikko's survival, and finally achieved her dream of entering the forest.