# Robert — The Phoenix and the Carpet character guide > Robert in The Phoenix and the Carpet by E. Nesbit. **Role:** major **Also known as:** the more cautious Robert, O Robert **First appearance:** 0002-i-the-egg ## Snapshot The impulsive brother who wakes the Phoenix, votes for America, and lands on a New Cross rooftop with nothing but a cheerful 'Here's a go!' ## Who they are Robert is the boy who suggests letting the Phoenix decide, who compares flying to tobogganing, and who falls through the central darn without losing his nerve. He is loyal, game, and a little reckless, the sort of brother who keeps one-and-fivepence in a pocket with a hole and calls the disaster an adventure. His willingness to try things first makes him the engine of the children's wilder schemes, and his good humour keeps them from panicking when the carpet misbehaves. ## Relationships ### [Cyril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/cyril) _family_ Cyril and Robert are brothers who share a competitive and playful dynamic, often engaging in schemes and arguments during their adventures. ### [The Phoenix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/the_phoenix) _friendship_ Robert interacts with the Phoenix with a mix of curiosity and boyish enthusiasm, enjoying its magical abilities and stories. ### [Anthea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/anthea) _family_ Anthea and Robert are siblings who often work together, with Anthea sometimes mediating Robert's impulsive tendencies. ### [Jane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/jane) _family_ Jane and Robert are siblings who bicker occasionally but ultimately care for each other, with Jane often being more cautious than Robert. ### [Mrs. Biddle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/mrs_biddle) _professional_ Mrs. Biddle is a strict governess or tutor who clashes with Robert's unruly behavior, creating a tense authority dynamic. ### [Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/mother) _family_ Mother loves Robert but often has to discipline him for his impulsive and sometimes reckless actions. ### [The Phoenix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/the_phoenix) _friendship_ Robert interacts with the Phoenix with a mix of curiosity and boyish enthusiasm, enjoying its magical abilities and stories. ### [Anthea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/anthea) _family_ Anthea and Robert are siblings who often work together, with Anthea sometimes mediating Robert's impulsive tendencies. ### [Cyril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/cyril) _family_ Cyril and Robert are brothers who share a competitive and playful dynamic, often engaging in schemes and arguments during their adventures. ### [Cyril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/cyril) _family_ Cyril and Robert are brothers who share a competitive and playful dynamic, often engaging in schemes and arguments during their adventures. ### [Anthea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/anthea) _family_ Anthea and Robert are siblings who often work together, with Anthea sometimes mediating Robert's impulsive tendencies. ### [Mrs. Biddle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/mrs_biddle) _professional_ Mrs. Biddle is a strict governess or tutor who clashes with Robert's unruly behavior, creating a tense authority dynamic. ## In the story ### [The Phoenix and the Carpet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/the-phoenix-and-the-carpet) Involved in the discovery of the egg and the initial flight. ### [The Egg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/i-the-egg) Proposes testing the fireworks; excited about the magic carpet and Phoenix. ### [The Topless Tower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/ii-the-topless-tower) Left stranded on a window ledge when the carpet descends; discovers the hidden door. ### [The Queen Cook](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/iii-the-queen-cook) Expresses frustration with the cook and accidentally adds soap to suet. ### [IV: Two Bazaars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/iv-two-bazaars) Carries the rolled carpet in India. His hand is injured by Mrs. Biddle's boot at the bazaar. ### [The Temple](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/v-the-temple) Recalls the condensed Greek invocation; chants to summon the Phoenix; carries the Phoenix to the boardroom. ### [VI: Doing Good](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/vi-doing-good) Carries matches and candles; expresses disgust at the idea of doing good deeds at home; speculates about finding bones in the dungeon. ### [VII: Mews from Persia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/vii-mews-from-persia) Forgets to post Aunt Emma's letter, causing the children to be stranded at Waterloo; later hides the Phoenix in his jacket. ### [VIII: The Cats, the Cow, and the Burglar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/viii-the-cats-the-cow-and-the-burglar) Confronts the policeman, ties the cow to the carpet for removal. ### [IX: The Burglar's Bride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/ix-the-burglar-s-bride) Brings news of the burglar's location and helps in the rescue attempt. ### [X: The Hole in the Carpet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/x-the-hole-in-the-carpet) Proposes finding a purse with money; falls through the carpet hole with Jane; lands on a rooftop in New Cross. ### [XI: The Beginning of the End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/xi-the-beginning-of-the-end) Questions mother about boots; talks to the Phoenix about its fire powers. ### [The End of the End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/xii-the-end-of-the-end) The Phoenix's favorite; feels miserable at the parting; chooses the materials for the funeral pyre; secretly keeps the tiny golden feather. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters/robert - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/characters