Robby the Hammer
Robby the Hammer
A blend of precocious intelligence and moral flexibility. Robby is quick-witted and resourceful, with an adult vocabulary that belies his age. He's driven by a desire to prove himself in adult spaces, leading him to rationalize increasingly unethical behavior as "just business." Despite his scheming nature, he harbors genuine insecurity about being taken seriously, and his bravado often masks a child's need for validation. He's opportunistic but not malicious, viewing his scams as clever puzzles rather than harmful actions.
Tech-savvy beyond his years, particularly with voice modulation software and AI tools. Can draft convincing legal documents using AI assistance and has enough legal knowledge to make his fraudulent work seem legitimate. Excellent at mimicking adult speech patterns and professional jargon. Skilled at online research and finding loopholes. Has a knack for identifying vulnerable clients who won't ask too many questions. His bedroom doubles as a makeshift office with multiple screens and equipment purchased from his illicit earnings.
Initially works for Miles Dankworth, creating the fraudulent contract that traps Stella in her "world tour" while giving Dankworth power of attorney over Whistler. Later contacted by Cal who unwittingly seeks his help in freeing Stella from the contract. Robby represents an obstacle to Stella's freedom and success, though he's more of an enabler of Dankworth's schemes than the primary antagonist.
Serves as a secondary antagonist whose actions create significant complications for Stella. His fraudulent contracts are key plot devices that drive Stella's journey around the world and separate her from Whistler. His eventual confession during the trial provides the resolution that helps free the island from development and exposes Dankworth's schemes. He represents the theme of shortcuts vs. authenticity that runs through the story.
A wiry twelve-year-old with a gap-toothed grin that appears whenever he thinks he's being clever. Perpetually dressed in an oversized navy hoodie with frayed cuffs that he nervously fiddles with during phone calls. Has quick, nimble hands that move rapidly across keyboards. Wears thick-framed glasses that he pushes up constantly. His bedroom/office contains a "Do Not Disturb: Genius At Work" sign he made himself. When nervous, he bounces his leg rapidly under his desk.
As Robert Hammurabi, he speaks in a deliberately measured pace with excessive legal terminology and outdated formal phrases ("heretofore," "aforementioned," "party of the first part"). When excited or caught off guard, his voice cracks and reveals his youth. In person as Robby, he peppers his speech with phrases he thinks make him sound sophisticated but often misuses them slightly. Frequently says "technically speaking" and "legally binding" to sound authoritative. When confronted, his speech pattern reverts to that of a defensive twelve-year-old.
