Pablo is a frenetic penguin who is more tightly wound than his friends. He thinks, speaks, acts and reacts quickly. He may not be the most agile or graceful of the Backyardigans, but he is enthusiastic and determined.

Pablo undergoes a "panic attack" in nearly every episode of the first season. His tendency to worry continues to be brought up throughout the show, but he does not panic as frequently in later seasons.

Tyrone is confident, laid-back, and easygoing. He is best friends with Pablo, and their different personalities make them perfect complements to each other. While Pablo is a quick thinker, Tyrone likes to take his time. Tyrone can get nervous or frightened on occasion, but he is not insecure about his fears.

At the end of every episode he appears in, Tyrone recites the line, "That was an excellent (type) adventure, don't you think?" Pablo, Tasha, and Austin use the line when he is absent.

Austin is described as the "new kangaroo on the block," and he does not know the other characters very well yet. He is somewhat hesitant to express his opinions, and slow to take the lead. When he overcomes his shy feelings, Austin gets the respect he deserves. He is revealed to be sweet and intelligent as the series progresses. Throughout his adventures, he frequently takes the role of a humble servant or faithful assistant, putting his friends' needs ahead of his own and helping them in any way he can. He is not one to ask for recognition, but even so, he receives a lot of love and support from his friends for all that he does for them.

Uniqua is highly energetic. She is often the character to come up with new ideas for adventures. Compared to Tasha, she displays a more tomboy-like personality. Uniqua and Tasha occasionally get into disagreements over small things, usually due to differing opinions. No matter what, Uniqua will find a way to end the quarrel and have a good laugh with her friend.

At her very core, Uniqua knows what it means to be a true companion and has a heart full of compassion. She is loyal and loves to help others. Uniqua is persistently optimistic and determined to overcome any obstacle she faces on her adventures. Regardless of what role she plays while imagining scenarios with her friends, she always has a sense of humor.

Tasha is assertive and likes to be in charge most of the time. She is rational, skeptical, and highly motivated to get her own way. Tasha is normally very opinionated. She is difficult to frighten, a fact she takes pride in.

Tasha tends to play a somewhat antagonistic role throughout the first season, often acting bossy towards the other characters. In later episodes, her personality becomes bolder and less overbearing.