# Bruce Marchant — The Big Time character guide > Bruce Marchant in The Big Time by Fritz Leiber. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Bruce, Archimedes Bruce, Mr. Marchant **First appearance:** 0000-i-enter-three-hussars ## Snapshot A poet-soldier with a black Spider glove and a talent for barroom epics, Bruce wants the Change World's dangerous freedoms more than any safe nest. ## Who they are He arrives furious at the Spiders and Snakes for rewriting history, waving a left-handed gauntlet as proof that even their gifts are botched. His romance with Lili curdles because she craves a home while he craves the open wound of time, and his drinking with Mark and Erich keeps the Place's mutinous currents warm. Bruce matters because his thwarted poetry and soldierly swagger embody the seduction and cost of never settling down. ## Relationships ### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters/unknown_narrator) _romantic_ Bruce and the narrator share a deeply intimate and emotionally charged connection, marked by frequent interactions and mutual reliance. ### [Erich von Hohenwald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters/erich_von_hohenwald) _rivalry_ Bruce and Erich are intense rivals, competing for the narrator's affection and clashing over ideology and power. ### [Lili Foster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters/lili_foster) _friendship_ Bruce and Lili share a warm and supportive friendship, often united in their concern for the narrator. ### [Sidney Lessingham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters/sidney_lessingham) _professional_ Bruce and Sidney have a tense professional relationship, with Bruce often challenging Sidney's authority and decisions. ### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters/unknown_narrator) _romantic_ Bruce and the narrator share a deeply intimate and emotionally charged connection, marked by frequent interactions and mutual reliance. ### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters/unknown_narrator) _romantic_ Bruce and the narrator share a deeply intimate and emotionally charged connection, marked by frequent interactions and mutual reliance. ### [Sidney Lessingham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters/sidney_lessingham) _professional_ Bruce and Sidney have a tense professional relationship, with Bruce often challenging Sidney's authority and decisions. ### [Erich von Hohenwald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters/erich_von_hohenwald) _rivalry_ Bruce and Erich are intense rivals, competing for the narrator's affection and clashing over ideology and power. ### [Erich von Hohenwald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters/erich_von_hohenwald) _rivalry_ Bruce and Erich are intense rivals, competing for the narrator's affection and clashing over ideology and power. ### [Sidney Lessingham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters/sidney_lessingham) _professional_ Bruce and Sidney have a tense professional relationship, with Bruce often challenging Sidney's authority and decisions. ### [Lili Foster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters/lili_foster) _friendship_ Bruce and Lili share a warm and supportive friendship, often united in their concern for the narrator. ## In the story ### [II: A Right-Hand Glove](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/ii-a-right-hand-glove) Rages against the Spiders and the Change War, questioning the morality of Resurrection and the purpose of endless conflict. He is calmed by Lili's gift of a glove. ### [V: Sid Insists on Ghostgirls](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/v-sid-insists-on-ghostgirls) Bruce is paired with Lili, and they are deeply engaged in conversation, not to be disturbed. ### [VI: Crete Circa 1300 BC](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/vi-crete-circa-1300-bc) Whispers with Lili during Kaby's report, appearing calm and loving amidst the tension. ### [VII: Time to Think](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/vii-time-to-think) Takes charge, delivers a powerful speech about the psychological impact of the Change War, and forces the group to reflect. ### [VIII: A Place to Stand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/viii-a-place-to-stand) Delivers a lengthy, impassioned speech about the dangers of the Change War, the loss of the 'real now,' and the possibility of using time travel for peace. Defends his views against Erich's mockery. ### [X: Motives and Opportunities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/x-motives-and-opportunities) Bruce is in earnest conversation with Lili; the narrator suspects he saw whoever Introverted the Maintainer. ### [XI: The Western Front, 1917](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/xi-the-western-front-1917) Quarrels with Lili over her decision to speak; is visibly emotional as she recounts her love for him. ### [XII: A Big Opportunity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/xii-a-big-opportunity) Strained by Lili's public discussion of his mission; ultimately punches Erich to defend Lili. ### [XIII: The Tiger Is Loose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/xiii-the-tiger-is-loose) Bruce attempts to bluff his way to the bomb to disarm it, but is restrained; he later struggles and pleads for Lili's safety. ### [XIV: “Now Will You Talk?”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/xiv-now-will-you-talk) Referenced in connection with the glove Lili inverted for him. ### [XV: Lord Spider](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/xv-lord-spider) Disables the bomb chest, declaring it safe, after a tense moment of apparent betrayal. ### [XVI: The Possibility-Binders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/chapters/xvi-the-possibility-binders) Explains being an A-tech; sings with Erich; his black glove is found and discarded by the narrator. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters/bruce_marchant - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_big_time_se/characters