In many wilderness short stories, we may find a young and inexperienced character who is new to the wilderness. This character is on a journey of growth. There could also be an antagonist in the form of a natural force, like a storm or a wild animal that constantly threatens the main characters. Additionally, there might be a local who has a deep connection to the wilderness and whose actions and advice impact the other characters in the story.
There might be a guide or an experienced woodsman in 'the wilderness short story'. This character would have knowledge about the wilderness and could help other characters, or perhaps be in conflict with them. And there could also be a lost hiker who is trying to find their way back to civilization.