Timothy Findley’s novel “The Wars” chronicles the Ross family’s experience with The War to End All Wars – World War I. The characters in the novel overcome horrific experiences that change them forever. Through Robert Ross, Mr. Thomas Ross and Mrs. Ross, the effects of death and war on identity are shown vividly. The effects have caused the destruction of many characters, but also the growth of others. Robert Ross is a visceral character. He is influenced entirely by his emotions. Robert was saddened after the death of his older sister Rowena. He blamed himself for her death, although he was not to blame. “Robert was her guardian she fell Robert wasn’t there” (15). Hence, Robert enlisted into the army because he believed he was avenging his sister, “because a girl had died” (20). Robert’s hastiness reflected on his emotional character. He is led more by his heart than his head. Robert was nineteen when he was admitted into the army. The solider was still full of innocence. He took great interest in taking care of the horses and animals. Robert invested a lot of his time with other animals. It is when he was ordered to kill a horse, to v put it out of his misery, Robert struggled. He had never taken a life before. “Robert could barely move in his paniche fired a chair fell over in his mind” (66-68). This was an extremely important part of Robert’s journey because it caused the first loss of his innocence. It was the catalyst to his self-destruction. Nevertheless, Robert Ross shows extreme initiative as a solider. On a number of occasions Robert took the liberty to care for and save others. During a gas attack he struggled emotionally on hearing that men were sent into battle without proper equipment. “Every man is issued a mask Robert shoutedRobert might as well have yelled at God” (137). Thus, he felt inclined to ensure the safety of everyone around him. Robert even gave one of the men his own gas mask, putting his own life in jeopardy. Nonetheless, Robert was able to find a substitute for the gas masks and ensure the safety of the men (as best he could) using information he learne