Robert Merrick Jr. is a fictional character from the 1949 film All the King's Men, which is based on the novel by Robert Penn Warren. He is portrayed as the son of a wealthy businessman and becomes involved in the political machinations surrounding the rise of a populist politician, Willie Stark. In the story, Robert struggles with his identity and the moral implications of his father's influence. His character represents the conflict between personal ambition and ethical responsibility, highlighting the complexities of power and corruption in politics.