an aloof widower with a macabre sense of humor. His favorite past times include drinking whiskey and toying with people by way of the elaborate, often shocking stories he makes up to get a reaction. Robert is rebellious, quick-witted, and reluctant to talk about anything too serious. Perhaps it is because of these qualities that he is friends with Mary Christiansen despite having had an affair with her husband, Joseph Christiansen. He's a rugged, mysterious and hard-drinking loner.