Robbie is one of two protagonists in The Reformatory. He is a 12-year-old Black boy who lives in his family’s ancestral cabin with his older sister, Gloria. His father, Robert, lives in Chicago as a fugitive from the authorities in Gracetown, Florida. His mother, on the other hand, suffered a terminal illness and is dead. Due uses Robbie’s relationship with his mother to introduce his ability to see ghosts, also referred to in the novel as “haints.” Robbie wants to see his mother again but can catch only brief glimpses of her.

Robbie is a reserved boy with a short temper. Robbie protects himself from bullying by keeping to himself during his incarceration. He nevertheless is sensitive to the aggression of his peers and is likewise quick to resent those who betray or trick him, like Blue. His temper, which causes him to act out against Lyle McCormack, results in his incarceration.

Robbie’s ability to see haints makes him valuable to the authorities at the Reformatory. He gives in to Haddock’s request to spot haints when the warden promises him an early release. However, this desire for freedom creates a conflict within Robbie since Blue threatens to trap Robbie’s mother if he continues to work for Haddock.