Robert Ross

In Timothy Findley's The Wars, Robert Ross is a shy and sensitive young man from Toronto, Ontario, who is thrust into the nightmare world of World War I. Robert Ross is a thin, handsome, typical looking nineteen year old who is passionate about long distance running. The son of a successful businessman, he lives with his father, mother, and three siblings. His older sister, Rowena Ross, is born with water on the brain and is confined to a wheelchair. Robert feels a deep connection to her as an infant, often mistaking her as his mother. As he grows older, he learns of her disability and uses her as motivation. For example, at a young age "it [is] for her he [learns] to run" (7). In other words, Robert develops a very close relationship with Rowena and undoubtedly, is traumatized when she dies at the age of twenty-five. After her death, Robert and his mother develop tension as she is now certain he will enlist because he can no longer use the excuse of looking after his sister. Once Robert begins artillery training, he finds himself in a strange world. He finds that shy and sensitive boys, like himself, do not fit in with most the tough and relentless men of the army. Robert soon realizes he will have to change or be forsaken in this foreign environment. In certain aspects, Roberts reminds me of Scooby-Doo. Scooby-Doo constantly finds himself in frightening situations, much like Robert and The Great War. In addition, neither of them would like to be part of the solution and would rather see others take care of things. However, they both understand it is their duty and bravely offer their help, even if it puts themselves in danger. Furthermore, its obvious both of them are more than capable runners. Nevertheless, Robert is a very relatable and realistic character. I, like Robert, could never image having to kill anything, human or animal. I imagine the fear and anxiety he must feel to be tremendously agonizing. It was not uncommon for young men, like Robert, to feel pressure to enlist and forced into the unforgiving world of World War I. These are just a few of the reasons why I believe Robert Ross is a relatable and realistic character.