Jimmy Todd Character Analysis in Life After Life

Ursula’s younger brother and the youngest of the five Todd children. Jimmy is the baby of the family, but he is often an afterthought. Jimmy, like Teddy, fights in World War II, though he is in the army and helps to liberate one of the German concentration camps. It is also implied throughout the novel (and confirmed by Pamela towards the end) that he is gay.

Jimmy Todd Character Timeline in Life After Life

The timeline below shows where the character Jimmy Todd appears in Life After Life. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...if it would be so bad to be gassed. Ursula thinks of her younger brother Jimmy, who had helped liberate Bergen-Belsen. Working as a secretary during the war, Ursula had recorded... (full context)

Meanwhile, the family has a new addition: Jimmy. His arrival had made Ursula feel as though she was being pushed further and further... (full context)

Gender Roles and Expectations Theme Icon

...or child to share her fortune with. She asks Sylvie, then, if she might adopt Jimmy. Sylvie is flabbergasted and reveals her shock to Hugh. (full context)

...explosion rocks the cellar and everyone goes quiet. Ursula’s heart thumps, and she thinks of Jimmy, who had recently had a few days’ leave from the army and they had gone... (full context)

Life, Reincarnation, and Alternate Possibilities Theme Icon

...has gathered for Hugh’s birthday except for Pamela, for whom the journey was too challenging. Jimmy has a few days’ leave and Teddy has brought Nancy along as well. Hugh asks... (full context)

...and Izzie spend the rest of the dinner irritated with each other, while Ursula and Jimmy pointedly try to wish Hugh a happy birthday with the wishbone. Amnesty is brought about... (full context)

...and announces that Norway has fallen. Ursula is simply relieved that she knows Teddy and Jimmy are safe in Fox Corner for the morning. (full context)

Ursula and Jimmy spend a few days together in London while he is on leave. When they’re on... (full context)

Ursula had seen Jimmy a few weeks prior, and they had spent a night on the town with Millie.... (full context)

...somewhat disingenuous, as Sylvie had been needlessly unkind to Hugh in the few months prior. Jimmy couldn’t get leave, but Teddy had shown up at the last minute. He and Nancy... (full context)

Maurice is livid at Sylvie’s will. Jimmy is indifferent, and Ursula is somewhat upset but is glad that Pamela is the one... (full context)