Other characters

Bob Kiley

Bob Kiley, nicknamed Rat, is a member of the narrator’s platoon and an important character in the short story “How to Tell a True War Story” by Tim O’Brien. Kiley appears from the beginning of the story, where the narrator talks about him writing a touching letter to Curt Lemon’s sister. His letter is a tribute to Lemon and an ode to their friendship. In the letter,  Kiley tries to present Lemon as brave, skillful, and lively. Even though many of the things he writes about are not true, Kiley is keen on creating an idealistic portrait of his best friend. When Lemon’s sister fails to respond, Kiley becomes frustrated and calls her a “dumb cooze” (p. 1, l. 26).

Kiley is described as an immature nineteen-year-old man (p. 2, l. 2) who displays childish ...