Robert is a supporting antagonist in the first season of HBO's The Last of Us. He was a survivor in post-apocalyptic America that has been ravaged by the Cordyceps brain infection.[1]
Biography[]
Background[]
Prior to 2023, Robert made it to the Boston quarantine zone and began working as a smuggler there, moving valuable contraband in from outside to sell to survivors and FEDRA personnel. He became one of the more successful smugglers, becoming powerful enough that he ran a decent-sized crew with several hired thugs working under him, armed with weapons to protect his operation. He became associated with another smuggler, Miguel, and eventually obtained his smuggling network in an abandoned subway tunnel.[1]
Events of HBO's The Last of Us[]
In the summer of 2023, Robert cut a deal with fellow smuggler Tess to obtain a car battery for Joel, but Tess discovered that he had already arranged to sell the battery to the Fireflies and conned her into paying him up front. Two of Robert's thugs found and attacked Tess in the street. Knowing this would anger Joel, Robert made her promise to convince Joel not to come after him. Tess gave her word, but a Firefly bomb ignited by their location, killing one of Robert's bodyguards and knocking him out. FEDRA soldiers then arrived and arrested Tess, but Robert and his other guard managed to escape.
Fearing Tess would come back with Joel to reclaim their lost battery and ration cards, Robert went with his men to the Fireflies headquarters where their leader Marlene was expecting them to deliver the battery. However, Marlene realizes the battery is a dud and Robert's crew ends up in a firefight with the Fireflies, Marlene and her partner Kim managing to kill Robert and his men, albeit losing other Fireflies in the process.
Soon after, Tess and Joel arrive, confronting Marlene, who confirmed their suspicions that Robert had been lying to all of them. The man's corpse was left in the building, shortly before FEDRA soldiers arrived.[1]
Appearance[]
Robert had thinning brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, a goatee, and a beard. He wore a brown jacket with black-and-red lining, dark shirt and pants, and a talisman around his neck. He had a loaded colt pistol on his person, which he used during the Firefly shootout that caused his death.[1]
Personality[]
Robert was a natural-born schemer, which made him an adept smuggler and dealer of contraband. However, he was also greedy and prone to taking any opportunity he could to profit, regardless of whoever he angered in the process. He was also cowardly, given that he always had bodyguards protecting him and feared both Tess and Joel; Tess mentioned that if Robert believed for a second that Joel might be after him, he would go into hiding regardless of whether or not it is true.[1]
Relationships[]
Tess[]
Tess and Robert did not get on well. The pair were rival smugglers in the zone, each with their own reputation. Robert feared making deals with Tess, knowing she was allied with Joel Miller. Because of this, he disapproved of his henchmen attacking her, more so out of fear for what Joel would do rather than out of concern for Tess's safety. Despite this, he still attempts to con her, displaying a lack of respect and honesty towards her.[1]
Joel[]
Robert did not like Joel, instead fearing the man. Knowing Joel's reputation, Robert preferred to discuss smuggling business arrangements with Tess. However, this fear left him wary of Joel, with Robert avoiding confronting him where possible.[1]
Marlene[]
Robert initially had a good relationship with Marlene, the man arranging a successful trade deal with her group, the Fireflies. However, when it was revealed that he had lied about his goods, their relationship turned hostile, the pair attempting to kill one another, which Marlene succeeded in doing in a shootout.[1]
Behind the scenes[]
- Robert is portrayed by Canadian actor Brendan Fletcher.
Gallery[]
