Moomin Valley is decidedly matriarchal, centred around Moominmamma. This dangerous time is reflected in the devastation wreaked when the huge comet in Comet in Moominland dries up rivers and oceans, and the world becomes oppressively hot and dark. However Moomintroll's optimism and love of adventure prevents the story from becoming too frightening, but most importantly it is his confidence that whatever happens, Moominmamma will prevail. Many strange and eccentric characters inhabit Moominland. There is the hero Moomintroll, his companion Sniff, his best friend Snufkin, the theatrical Misabel, the feather brained Snork Maiden, the matriarch Moominmamma, several stoic female characters in Mymble, Little My and Too-ticky, and the adult authority figures of the Fillyjonks.
Male characters are sometimes ambiguous.
While Moominpappa is an excellent craftsman, he is often dreamy or preoccupied, even bewildered. The Hemulen represent established authority, the male equivalent of the Fillyjonks, but more oppressively so. There are also characters who do not represent a species such as the pale, anonymous Hattifatteners with plant like rudimentary arms and hands. Jansson's later books about the Moomintroll family became increasin gly philosophical and the characters introspective, appealing to an adolescent audience. An artist in her own right, Tove Jansson has been recognised internationally with many awards, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1966 for her contribution to children's literature.