Dobbs (Catch-22)

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Dobbs is a character from Joseph Heller's classic novel Catch-22.

Originally a healthy young man, the effects of excessive combat missions have shot Dobbs' nerves, and when the narration of the book begins he is emotionally unstable and physically spent. He is described as being one of the worst pilots in the corps and his mid-air panic leads him to snatch the controls of the plane away from Huple, when Snowden is killed.

Dobbs tries to enlist Yossarian's help in murdering Colonel Cathcart every time he raises the number of combat missions the men have to fly. However, once Dobbs has finished his required missions, he becomes quite sane, and cannot remember ever wanting to kill Colonel Cathcart.

Dobbs is killed when he crashes into Lieutenant Nately's plane over La Spezia. Both men die along with ten others.

[edit] Film

Martin Sheen portrayed Dobbs in the 1970 film adaptation of the novel directed by Mike Nichols. However this version of Dobbs incorporates some personality traits and actions of the characters Clevinger and Dunbar from the novel, neither of whom are featured in the film. These actions include arguing with Yossarian in the mess hall (Clevinger) and disappearing mysteriously (Dunbar).