# Old Robert — Cup of Gold character guide

> Old Robert in Cup of Gold by John Steinbeck.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Robert, II Old Robert, V Old Robert

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Who they are

Henry's stern Welsh grandfather, a farmer whose plain, unbending honesty stands as the quiet rebuke to every gilded ambition his grandson will chase.

## Relationships

### [Henry Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters/henry_morgan)

_family_

Old Robert is Henry's grandfather, a former soldier who tells him stories of glory and adventure, inspiring Henry's youthful dreams.

### [Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters/merlin)

_friendship_

Merlin and Old Robert are old friends who share memories and a mutual respect, often discussing Henry's fate.

### [Mother Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters/mother_morgan)

_family_

Mother Morgan and Old Robert are in-laws with a respectful but strained relationship, as she often clashes with his romanticizing of adventure.

### [Sir Edward Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters/sir_edward_morgan)

_family_

Old Robert and Sir Edward Morgan are father and son, with Old Robert often critical of Edward's pragmatic, worldly success.

### [Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters/merlin)

_friendship_

Merlin and Old Robert are old friends who share memories and a mutual respect, often discussing Henry's fate.

### [Mother Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters/mother_morgan)

_family_

Mother Morgan and Old Robert are in-laws with a respectful but strained relationship, as she often clashes with his romanticizing of adventure.

### [Henry Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters/henry_morgan)

_family_

Old Robert is Henry's grandfather, a former soldier who tells him stories of glory and adventure, inspiring Henry's youthful dreams.

### [Henry Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters/henry_morgan)

_family_

Old Robert is Henry's grandfather, a former soldier who tells him stories of glory and adventure, inspiring Henry's youthful dreams.

### [Sir Edward Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters/sir_edward_morgan)

_family_

Old Robert and Sir Edward Morgan are father and son, with Old Robert often critical of Edward's pragmatic, worldly success.

### [Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters/merlin)

_friendship_

Merlin and Old Robert are old friends who share memories and a mutual respect, often discussing Henry's fate.

### [Mother Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters/mother_morgan)

_family_

Mother Morgan and Old Robert are in-laws with a respectful but strained relationship, as she often clashes with his romanticizing of adventure.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/chapters/i)

Henry's father, a dreamer who understands his son's longing for the world. He asks Henry to visit Merlin before leaving and reflects on the loneliness to come.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/chapters/ii)

Robert permits Henry to go, recognizing his son's unyielding ambition and the gulf between their natures.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/chapters/v)

Supports Henry's decision, gives him five pounds and a letter to his brother Sir Edward Morgan.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/chapters/vi)

Tosses nervously in bed, then tries to comfort his wife after discovering Henry has left.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/chapters/vi)

Old Robert is recalled in Henry's memory, having once said similar words about loneliness when Henry left home.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/chapters/vi)

Climbs to visit Merlin, reflecting on his age, loneliness, and the rumors of his son Henry's exploits as a pirate.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters/old_robert
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cup_of_gold_se/characters