Five Children and It · Character

Robert

The second boy of five, whose wishes land him in a medieval siege where his short legs and quick tongue must pass for bravery.

major

Also known as Master Robert, Albert

First appearance: Five Children and It

As a major figure in Five Children and It, Robert is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

One of the five children who participates in the discovery and first wish.

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Robert is one of the five children who digs up the Psammead and shares in its wishes, though he is often the one who suffers most from them. When a wish drops him among armoured men who call him a brave varlet, he…

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Character Web

27 connections

A slice of how Robert sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Rivalry

Character groups

Core family and household
Protagonist
Local villagers and acquaintances

+22 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because Cyril’s secret, early-morning negotiation with the Psammead repres…

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Relationships

Cyril
family · positive
Cyril and Robert are brothers, often engaging in sibling rivalry and adventures together. How this plays out →
Anthea
family · positive
Jane
family · positive
The Lamb
family · positive
Billy Peasemarsh
rivalry · negative
Martha
professional · ambivalent
Cyril
family · positive
Cyril and Robert are brothers, often engaging in sibling rivalry and adventures together. How this plays out →
Jane
family · positive
Cyril
family · positive
Cyril and Robert are brothers, often engaging in sibling rivalry and adventures together. How this plays out →
Anthea
family · positive
Billy Peasemarsh
rivalry · negative
Jane
family · positive

Cyril
Cyril and Robert are brothers, often engaging in sibling rivalry and adventures together.
Anthea
Anthea and Robert are siblings, with Anthea often acting as the responsible older sister to Robert's impulsive nature.
Jane
Jane and Robert are siblings, with Jane often being more cautious while Robert is adventurous.
The Lamb
Robert is the older brother to The Lamb, occasionally annoyed by the baby's demands but caring.
Billy Peasemarsh
Billy Peasemarsh is a local boy who often clashes with Robert, competing for status and causing trouble.
Martha
Martha serves as a household servant to Robert and his siblings, often scolding him for mischief.
Cyril
Cyril and Robert are brothers, often engaging in sibling rivalry and adventures together.
Jane
Jane and Robert are siblings, with Jane often being more cautious while Robert is adventurous.
Cyril
Cyril and Robert are brothers, often engaging in sibling rivalry and adventures together.
Anthea
Anthea and Robert are siblings, with Anthea often acting as the responsible older sister to Robert's impulsive nature.
Billy Peasemarsh
Billy Peasemarsh is a local boy who often clashes with Robert, competing for status and causing trouble.
Jane
Jane and Robert are siblings, with Jane often being more cautious while Robert is adventurous.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Robert appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Five Children and It
One of the five children who participates in the discovery and first wish.
Beautiful as the Day
Gets a lump on his head from tumbling out; asks the Psammead about its past.
Golden Guineas
Suggests filling pockets with gold; later tries to bury Jane in the coins, causing her discomfort.
III: Being Wanted
Initially piggish about wanting to get rid of the Lamb, but later admits his mistake.
Wings
Robert chooses a Nineveh puzzle at the shop, foreshadowing the Psammead's story.
No Wings
Suggests throwing away the syphon and participates in the yelling to attract attention.
VI: A Castle and No Dinner
Allowed out to make the wish; inadvertently causes the others to wish for a castle.
VII: A Siege and Bed
Acts as captain, shows bravery, captures Jakin, and defends the castle.
Bigger Than the Baker’s Boy
Wishes to be bigger than the baker's boy after being kicked; becomes a giant and exacts revenge.
Grown Up
Robert suggests waking the grown-up Lamb and taking him to a pastrycook's; he also reflects on the need to correct the Lamb gradually.
X: Scalps
Robert is captured by the Indians and fears for his scalp, but is relieved when only the false hair is taken.
XI: The Last Wish
Plans to make money exploring Africa; tries to comfort Jane after her wish; searches for the Psammead.

Chapter companion notes

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