# Theodore Roosevelt — An Autobiography character guide > Theodore Roosevelt in An Autobiography by Theodore Roosevelt. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Colonel Roosevelt, President Theodore Roosevelt, President Roosevelt, Roosevelt, Mr. Roosevelt, Dear Mr. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt Sagamore Hill, one Theodore Roosevelt, young Theodore Roosevelt, Dear Col. Roosevelt, Dear Theodore **First appearance:** 0002-an-autobiography ## Snapshot Sickly boy turned rancher, soldier, and governor, Roosevelt narrates how he willed himself into the strenuous life he admired. ## Who they are Roosevelt presents himself as a man who began as a nervous, asthmatic child and deliberately remade himself through boxing, ranch work, and public office. The book's central tension is between his restless ambition and the political machines, like Senator Platt's, that he must work with or against. His account of leading the charge up San Juan Hill and his fight to clean up New York's game wardens show a man who measures himself by action, not position. ## In the story ### [Frontispiece](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/frontispiece) Subject of the frontispiece portrait painted by P. Lazlo. ### [An Autobiography](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/an-autobiography) The author and subject of the autobiography, reflecting on his own life and experiences. ### [Boyhood and Youth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/i-boyhood-and-youth) The author and narrator, reflecting on his boyhood experiences, family relationships, and early interests. ### [II: The Vigor of Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/ii-the-vigor-of-life) Reflects on his own development from a sickly boy to a vigorous man, describing his philosophy of self-improvement through action and his physical exploits. ### [Practical Politics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/iii-practical-politics) Narrator and protagonist, reflecting on his early legislative career and political philosophy. ### [In Cowboy Land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/iv-in-cowboy-land) Narrator and protagonist; recounts his arrival in the Dakota Territory, his cattle ranching ventures, and his life among cowboys. ### [Applied Idealism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/v-applied-idealism) As Civil Service Commissioner, Roosevelt battles the spoils system and advocates for merit-based appointments, while also responding to a letter about women's domestic roles. ### [VI: The New York Police](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/vi-the-new-york-police) Appointed Police Commissioner and President of the Police Commission; leads reform efforts to eliminate partisan politics and improve police efficiency and honesty. ### [VII: The War of America the Unready](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/vii-the-war-of-america-the-unready) As Assistant Secretary of the Navy, he worked to prepare the Navy for war, advocated for Dewey's command, and reflects on the national lack of preparedness. ### [Appendix A: A Manly Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/appendix-a) Author of the letter to Secretary Alger, recipient of the apology, and later President. ### [Appendix B](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/appendix-b) Subject of the Medal of Honor recommendations; praised for leading the charge on horseback, being first to reach the crest, and killing an enemy soldier. ### [VIII: The New York Governorship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/viii-the-new-york-governorship) Governor of New York, reflecting on his battles with the political machine and his push for reform. ### [Appendix A](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/appendix-a) Author and Governor, writes letters and annual message on conservation. ### [Appendix B: The Political Situation in 1900](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/appendix-b) Author of the letters; reflects on his governorship, machine politics, and corporate opposition. ### [IX: Outdoors and Indoors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/ix-outdoors-and-indoors) The author and narrator, reflecting on his love of nature and books, his family life at Sagamore Hill, and his experiences as President. ### [The Presidency; Making an Old Party Progressive](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/x-the-presidency-making-an-old-party-progressive) Narrator and subject; reflects on his presidency, executive power, and political philosophy. ### [The Natural Resources of the Nation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/xi-the-natural-resources-of-the-nation) As President, he spearheaded conservation and reclamation policies, working closely with advisors and commissions. ### [The Big Stick and the Square Deal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/xii-the-big-stick-and-the-square-deal) As President, he articulates his philosophy of the 'Square Deal' and the need for federal regulation of corporations. ### [Social and Industrial Justice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/xiii-social-and-industrial-justice) As President, he drives labor reforms, enforces the eight-hour law, and mediates railroad wage disputes. ### [Appendix A: Socialism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/appendix-a) Author of the appendix, reflecting on socialism and recommending Simkhovitch's book. ### [The Monroe Doctrine and the Panama Canal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/xiv-the-monroe-doctrine-and-the-panama-canal) President who articulates and defends his foreign policy, including the Monroe Doctrine, the handling of the Philippines, intervention in Santo Domingo, and the recognition of Panama. ### [Appendix A](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/appendix-a) Author and narrator; discusses his proposed message to Congress and denies instigating the Panama revolution. ### [The Peace of Righteousness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/xv-the-peace-of-righteousness) Author and central figure; reflects on peace efforts, disarmament, and the world cruise of the battle fleet. ### [Appendix A: The Trusts, the People, and the Square Deal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/appendix-a) Author of the appendix; defends his record on trusts and criticizes the Taft administration's lawsuit against the Steel Corporation. ### [Appendix B: The Control of Corporations and 'The New Freedom'](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/appendix-b) Defends his trust policy and challenges Wilson's misrepresentations. ### [Appendix C: The Blaine Campaign](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/appendix-c) Corrects the historical record about his post-convention actions and stance on Blaine. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/endnotes) Central figure whose reforms, conservation efforts, and leadership are assessed. ### [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations) Featured in multiple illustrations including presidential portraits, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, as Colonel of the Rough Riders, and as Governor of New York. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/characters/theodore_roosevelt - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/characters