In Tim O’Brien’s novel The Things They Carried, the character Tim O’Brien is a young soldier. The exact age of Tim O’Brien is not explicitly stated in the book. However, based on the context and the time period of the Vietnam War, it is reasonable to infer that he is in his early to mid-20s. This is typical for soldiers during that era, as many were drafted or enlisted shortly after graduating from high school or college.
The novel is a blend of fiction and memoir, and while it draws heavily from O’Brien’s own experiences, the character’s age is not a focal point. Instead, the narrative emphasizes the emotional and psychological burdens carried by the soldiers, rather than specific biographical details like age.