A Marvellous Light

Robin is one of the novel’s protagonists. When the novel opens, his usual cheerfulness is tempered by the new responsibility of his title after the sudden death of his parents. Confronting his parents’ mismanaged finances is difficult for him: “[E]very conversation about the future made Robin feel like his brain was being kicked, and he hated it” (38). Being inadvertently assigned as liaison to the magical world only adds to his sense of disorientation. Robin is extroverted and enjoys sports, a contrast to Edwin Courcey’s bibliophile tendencies. He is also highly observant, noticing quickly that Edwin seems to dislike jokes as a possible source of emotional pain, and complimenting Edwin’s mother on her home to avoid raising more painful subjects. He also quickly guesses that Edwin was attracted to Reggie Gatling and sympathizes with him. Robin feels no shame about his own sexuality, only resenting the practical necessity of keeping it secret. He is a devoted brother, and his warm and supportive relationship with Maud is a stark contrast to the Courcey family’s sibling dynamics.

Much of Robin’s character arc relates to the themes of Family, Trauma, and Recovering Trust as well as