Olive's young son who accompanies her on the road. After being struck by Kent's car, his injury triggers a custody dispute. He spends time with Kent and Mary, learning new skills, but his troubled past and association with delinquent friends complicate Olive's efforts to prove herself as a stable guardian.
Their mother-son bond is the central emotional and legal relationship.
The plot identifies Olive as Bobby's mother and follows her efforts to retain custody of him.
Kent becomes a possible legal parent after his car accident involving Bobby.
Kent and Mary offer to legally adopt Bobby to keep him away from juvenile detention and foster homes.
Mary provides Bobby with structure, education, and domestic care.
Mary plays ball with Bobby, teaches him to dance, and helps place him in private school.
Earl is a delinquent influence who increases Bobby's legal and custody problems.
Earl is described as Bobby's dropout friend and involves him in the prank call reporting a fake school shooting.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Bringing Up Bobby