What was the name of the rat that almost took Buratino’s life? - briefly
The rat that nearly killed Buratino was named Mika.
What was the name of the rat that almost took Buratino’s life? - in detail
The antagonist rat is identified in Alexei Tolstoy’s tale as Krysa (simply “the Rat”). He appears early in the narrative as a resident of the puppet‑theatre’s cellar, where he conspires with the cat Basilio and the fox Alice to capture Buratino. Krysa lures the wooden boy into a trap by offering a piece of cheese, then attempts to seize him with a rope‑snare. The snare fails when Buratino’s wooden limbs resist the tension, allowing him to escape. Krysa’s role ends with his retreat after the failed capture, and he is later mentioned as a warning to the protagonist about the dangers lurking in the theatre’s shadows. His characterization emphasizes cunning, greed, and a willingness to endanger the hero for personal gain.