The novel’s plot progression follows the protagonist Danny Pickett’s coming of age and personal growth. Since Big Red is written from the third-person limited point of view, the novel’s central conflicts and themes emerge from Danny’s experiences as he grows up. In Chapter 1, Danny is not sure of himself. He is afraid of Old Majesty, bashful around adults and strangers, and wary of voicing his opinions. However, the more challenges that he faces throughout the novel, the more mature he becomes. His adventures in the Wintapi wilderness, his experiences with Red, and his relationships with Ross and Mr. Haggin contribute to his character evolution.

Danny grows in maturity and confidence once he is entrusted with Red, as caring for the dog gives Danny new responsibilities and helps him feel more like an adult. Red gives Danny self-confidence: Danny begins to differentiate himself from his father by openly disagreeing with Ross’s training methods for dogs, deciding to do what he thinks is best for Red instead. As he navigates the Wintapi with Red and faces encounters with wild animals like the wolverine, Danny learns to be quick-thinking and self-reliant, developing his sense that he can thrive in the landscape even when he does not have another person there to support him.