# Bobby — The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman character guide

> Bobby in The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Bob, Robin

**First appearance:** 0004-book-i

## Who they are

Tristram's older brother, whose death is a major event in the narrative.

## In the story

### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/iv)

Tristram's eldest brother, who is taken to London to be placed at Westminster School.

### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/xvi)

Referenced as the son who might fail Walter, prompting Walter's disappointment.

### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/xix)

Mentioned as Tristram's brother, whose name 'Bob' was considered neutral by Walter.

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

Referenced as 'Robin' in the context of Dolly inditing an epistle.

### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/xix)

My brother Bobby, born head-first and slow-witted, whose case supports Walter's hypothesis about birth method affecting intellect.

### [Chapter XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/xxxi)

Walter's eldest son; his potential travels and his death are central to Walter's dilemma.

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

Reported dead in the letter; referred to as 'my brother Bobby' and 'my nephew'.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/iii)

The deceased son whose death prompts Walter's philosophical reflections.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/xvi)

Mentioned as Tristram's brother whom Walter has lost entirely, making Tristram his last stake.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/characters/bobby
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/characters