Through the Brazilian Wilderness · Character

Kermit Roosevelt

Roosevelt's son, barely healed from a bridge-building accident that broke his ribs and knocked out teeth, joins the expedition and works the hard, unglamorous jobs.

major

Also known as Kermit

First appearance: i the start

As a major figure in Through the Brazilian Wilderness, Kermit Roosevelt is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Kermit was part of the expedition mapped.

In the storyFrontispiece 2Open this moment free

Kermit enters the narrative in southern Brazil, fresh off a steel span that collapsed under him and left him with two broken ribs and a dislocated knee. He is not there as a president's son on display; he squats on the deck over a paddle-wheel finishing jaguar skins alongside Cherrie and Miller. His presence gives the expedition a family stake and a younger generation's grit, and it quietly raises the cost of every hazard the river will later present.

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Character Web

20 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Core Expedition Team
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it captures the emotional and psychological peak of committing…

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Relationships

Simplicio
professional · positive
Simplicio serves as a boatman and crew member under Kermit Roosevelt's direction during… How this plays out →
Julio
professional · positive
Trigueiro
professional · positive

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Kermit Roosevelt in i the start

In the story

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

Frontispiece 2
Kermit was part of the expedition mapped.
Through the Brazilian Wilderness
Theodore Roosevelt's son, assisting with expedition tasks.
III: A Jaguar Hunt on the Taquary
Participates in the jaguar hunt and leads the second day's chase.
IV: The Headwaters of the Paraguay
Working on jaguar skins on the deck of the Nyoac.
Up the River of Tapirs
Slept in the same tent as Theodore Roosevelt; photographed by Fiala.
VI: Through the Highland Wilderness of Western Brazil
Shared a tent with Fiala and Theodore Roosevelt during the northward march.
VII: With a Mule Train Across Nhambiquara Land
Collects Indian artifacts and weapons, and photographs the Nhambiquara party.
VIII: The River of Doubt
Assists with surveying, works alongside camaradas during portages, and is stung by ants; lends his father the Oxford Book of French Verse.
Down an Unknown River Into the Equatorial Forest
Explores the river with Theodore Roosevelt, helps build canoes, leads dangerous rapids descents, and assists in rescuing swamped canoes.
X: To the Amazon and Home; Zoological and Geographical Results of the Expedition
Kermit's diary was used alongside Cherrie's and Roosevelt's to create the map of the Rio Roosevelt.
Appendix B: The Outfit for Travelling in the South American Wilderness
Mentioned as using leftover clothing from African trip and wearing shorts in the Brazilian forest.
List of Illustrations
Photographer of many illustrations; also appears in a portrait and his diary used for the sketch map.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Kermit Roosevelt unlock in the free preview.

See Kermit Roosevelt in i the start

See Kermit Roosevelt in Frontispiece 2