Robin Character Analysis in A Little Life

Robin is one of Willem’s girlfriends prior to his relationship with Jude. They eventually break up. Robin once asked Willem if Jude was gay or straight, and Willem realized that he didn’t have the answer to her question, since he’s never known Jude to date anybody. Later on, he cites his inability to answer Robin’s question as evidence that Jude has convinced himself that he’s too ugly or unworthy of love to pursue a relationship with anybody.

Robin Character Timeline in A Little Life

The timeline below shows where the character Robin appears in A Little Life. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...both lived in Hood, so Jude knows most of the guests. Willem and his girlfriend Robin are there, as well as Malcolm and Sophie, and JB and his new boyfriend. Jude... (full context)

After Jude and Willem walk a ways, Willem pauses and tells Jude that Clara, Robin’s friend, is apparently interested in Jude romantically. Jude thinks it’s a joke. But Willem, serious,... (full context)

...for a while, Willem does. But then he confesses that when he first started dating Robin, she’d asked him if Jude was gay or straight—and Willem hadn’t known how to respond,... (full context)

...him—he’s never wanted one. Once, Harold asked Jude if Jude wanted what Willem had with Robin. Jude insisted that he was fine. People are always asking him if he wants something... (full context)