Robbie Character Analysis in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Robbie is one of Henry’s closest friends. He’s an actor who has an intense, theatrical personality that can be overdramatic and grating to those around him. Robbie and Henry dated some time before the novel’s present day, but Robbie broke up with Henry due to Henry not knowing who he wanted to be or what he wanted out of his life. The breakup devastated Henry and only strengthened his self-doubt. Things become complicated when Henry’s deal with Luc causes Robbie to fall back in love with Henry. Though there was once a time when Henry would have given anything to win back Robbie, he can’t enjoy or accept the attention Robbie lavishes on him now, since he knows it’s not real. The curse also causes Robbie to lash out at and be rude to Addie, whom he sees as a threat.

Robbie Character Timeline in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

The timeline below shows where the character Robbie appears in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Henry and Bea close the shop and head to Robbie’s off-off-Broadway show, which is a loose adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Henry and Bea... (full context)

...There’s an empty spot where Tabitha would have sat, which depresses Henry. The play begins. Robbie walks to the center of the stage to deliver the opening monologue, and it’s easy... (full context)

Robbie meets Bea and Henry in the lobby after the show. Henry tells Robbie he was... (full context)

...Henry remember her? Addie moves to the bedroom and sees a photo of Henry and Robbie. Their faces are close together. Henry looks so comfortable and happy with Robbie. In the... (full context)

On the way there, Henry gives Addie the lowdown about the guests. Robbie is nice but “difficult.” Henry also explains that he was dating a girl named Tabitha.... (full context)

...she calls Addie’s face “timeless,” just like before. Henry frowns, confused. Before Addie can explain, Robbie arrives. He asks who Addie is and asks probing questions about her work as a... (full context)

...to go horribly wrong. But by the main course, she’s having a great time. Only Robbie seems to be having a bad time. Josh tries to flirt with Robbie, but Robbie... (full context)

...go. Bea and Henry plead with her to stay, thinking Addie is just upset about Robbie. Addie leaves anyway; Luc can always tell when she’s feeling low, and she’s afraid he’ll... (full context)

Henry follows Addie downstairs and asks why she left in such a hurry. Referring to Robbie, Henry says that friends can be “messy sometimes,” and Addie mumbles her agreement. Then she... (full context)

...believes the lie. Addie and Henry go to a corner store to get breakfast. Then Robbie walks in. Addie knows this will create a problem, and she doesn’t want to lose... (full context)

Henry angrily reminds Robbie that he met Addie last night. Addie pleads with Henry to drop it and just... (full context)

...week. He can’t stand to hear his parents argue, and he took the breakup with Robbie badly. He’s also afraid of time. (full context)

Tabitha Masters is dancing when Henry first sees her. Henry went to see Robbie perform, but his eyes are drawn to Tabitha. They officially meet at an after-party. Henry... (full context)

...and buys a bottle of vodka. His phone buzzes in his pocket as Bea and Robbie try to reach him, but he ignores it. Henry drops the bottle onto the sidewalk... (full context)

...Henry’s day is just as strange. It feels like April Fool’s Day to Henry. Then Robbie comes in, throwing his arm around Henry. Henry notes an odd “shining” quality to Robbie’s... (full context)

Then Henry’s friends bring up Henry’s breakup. Robbie leaves to fetch the secret whisky that Meredith keeps in back, and Bea tells Henry... (full context)

Art, Creativity, and Expression Theme Icon

New York City. March 18, 2014. Bea enters The Last Word. She tells Henry that Robbie wants to know why Henry is avoiding him. Henry feels bad, but he can’t excuse... (full context)

...York City. September 5, 2013. Henry returns to his apartment after drinking with Bea and Robbie. He takes a beer from the fridge and starts to box up Tabitha’s belongings. He... (full context)

New York City. October 23, 2013. Henry, Bea, and Robbie settle down on Henry’s sofa for movie night. Henry groans when Robbie announces that they’re... (full context)

Once in the kitchen, Robbie kisses Henry on the lips. Henry starts to return the kiss. This, Henry thinks, feels... (full context)

New York City. December 31, 2013. Henry is at a New Year’s Eve party at Robbie’s place. Henry holds a beer with one hand and a man who is kissing him... (full context)

Henry leaves the man and wanders into Robbie’s room. He opens the window and climbs out onto the fire escape, though it’s freezing... (full context)

New York City. July 13, 2014. It’s Henry’s birthday. Addie and Henry join Bea and Robbie at a music venue called the Knitting Factory to celebrate. Henry reintroduces Addie to Bea... (full context)

New York City. July 24, 2014. Addie and Henry are on the rooftop of Robbie’s building with some others to watch the fireworks. Addie watches Henry. He’s been acting strangely... (full context)

Robbie reappears, his arms full of half-melted popsicles. Addie decides that this is the time she’ll... (full context)

Before long, Henry has only days to live. He says goodbye to Bea and Robbie at the Merchant. Addie sits at the bar to give them some space. Everything is... (full context)