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James Hargrave is a young inhabitant of Rivet City in 2277.

Background[]

James Hargrave is one of Rivet City's few children. His father is deceased, having died while in the wasteland, specifically Andale.[1] His alcoholic mother,[2][3] Tammy Hargrave, believes that he just ran off one day and blames James for his disappearance.[4][5] Due to this belief, she emotionally abuses James,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] who in turn has developed a reputation as a troublemaker.[2][15] Her abuse isn't an act, her bitterness has coalesced into a lingering hatred, and she would be fine selling him to the first buyer, if the people of Rivet City would let her.[16][17] She tends to spend her time drunk in The Muddy Rudder and doesn't return home for days at a time, leaving James to fend for himself.[Non-game 1][18][13][19]

James is alternately sullen and wild and will do just about anything on a dare. He is capable of holding a grudge for months. He is loyal to his only friend C.J. who he picks on mercilessly. C.J. tolerates the abuse as there are no other children in the city.[20] On the rare occasions when C.J. stands up for herself, James is devastated and will do anything to earn her forgiveness. He doesn't spend any more time in the cramped common room quarters than he has to and can usually be found in the company of his friend C.J. Young. The two of them like to play in the storage rooms or hang around on the flight deck.[Non-game 2][21] Christie Young, C.J.'s mother, feels sorry for the boy and thinks her daughter is a good influence on him.[22][23][15]

The Runaways[]

James' familial relationship is a sore spot (particularly should his mother also become deceased for whatever reason),[24][25] in reality he is sad and scared.[26] Should he be provoked into action he will attempt to run away to get loving attention from anyone.[27][28][29][30][31][32] Should James have been convinced to run away, in a forlorn attempt at attention from loved ones, he'll take C.J. with him.[33] Tammy won't notice or care,[34] Christie will. Depending how how the parents and security find out about the missing children Chief Harkness[35][36] and Commander Lana Danvers will comment alternately. It's Angela Staley who witnessed the pair heading towards the gate bridge, believing that they knew better then to leave the city.[37] The pair will make it as far as Anacostia Crossing Station where they can be found by the Lone Wanderer, who can bring them home.[38][39][40] If the Lone Wanderer decides not to help them, James will threaten to follow them until they do.[41]

Relationships[]

James is the son of Tammy Hargrave, an emotionally abusive alcoholic who wouldn't mind selling him into slavery, and a father who died in the wasteland. His only friend, as there are no other children in the city, is C.J. Young. He and C.J. spend their time playing in the storage room or hanging around on the flight deck. He has developed a reputation similar to his mother, and a similar resentment towards her.[21] However, there is never a time where James being physically abused can be witnessed. She does make sure he is fed and tried to make him thankful for the food.[42][43][44] Even keeping the drug addict Paulie Cantelli at bay, as to not give James a bad role model.[45]

Interactions with the player character[]

Interactions overview[]

Interactions
Perk nociception regulator color
This character is essential. Essential characters cannot be killed.
Icon quest starter
This character starts quests.

The Runaways
Light-Fingers Hargrave

Quests[]

  • Wasteland Survival Guide: If asked about the history of the city, James will remark sarcastically about his father building it and that his mother is the "mirelurk queen."[46] His remarks has an alternate should she be deceased or enslaved.[47] If pressed about knowing anything about the city whatsoever, he will comment that it's a big boat.[48]
  • The Runaways: Should James Hargrave have been convinced to run away from home he will take C.J. Young with him.[33] Although his mother doesn't notice, C.J.'s does. Whether Commander Danvers heard about the missing children directly from Christie Young,[49] or from anyone else,[50] security will look for them.
    • If the player brings up the issue about his alcoholic mother, he gets angry. This leads to a Speech option that goads James into running away from home. If successful, he runs away with C.J. Young and the Lone Wanderer gains negative Karma. They can later be found at Anacostia Crossing Station. After finding them, they can be led right back to Rivet City for positive Karma.
  • Light-Fingers Hargrave: With the Child at Heart perk, the player can ask James to steal ammunition for them. He will give a random amount of ammunition of a random type once every 12 in-game hours.[51][52] There is no Karma penalty.

Effects of player actions[]

  • If you kill or enslave his mother and then ask about his family he will answer, "Dead. Some asshole like you killed them."

Inventory[]

Apparel Weapon Other items
Athlete of the Wastes outfit Bubblegum
Gum drops

Notes[]

  • Father Clifford has tried to get C.J. Young to bring James to Sunday Church services. His mother Tammy keeps him from attending.[53]
  • James has snide and rude comments to several members of the Rivet City denizens; and the robots. Such as Ted Strayer who he calls a "good for nothing,"[54] calling Mister Buckingham a talking refrigerator,[55] and Private Jones a tin can,[56] apart from Chief Harkness who James shows reluctant respect for.[57]
  • James has the extremely rare gum drops item in his inventory.
  • James seems to share his mother's bad reputation in the eyes of almost every citizen of Rivet City.[15][57]
  • Angela Staley will tell the Lone Wanderer that James acts badly because his mom is a drunk and abuses him, however, there is never a time where James being physically abused can be witnessed. She does make sure he is fed and tried to make him thankful for the food.[42][43] Even keeping the drug addict Paulie Cantelli at bay, as to not give James a bad role model.[58]
  • If the Lone Wanderer tells James to run away and then immediately talks to him again, he will act as if he has already run away from home. The player can then apologize to him and gain positive Karma, although he may still run away.

Notable quotes[]

Appearances[]

James Hargrave appears only in Fallout 3.

Bugs[]

PCPC Playstation 3Playstation 3Playstation 3 James runs away but can never be found; this is often accompanied by him also leaving C.J. behind, who continues running around Rivet City but with the player unable to interact with her in any way.[verified]

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. The Lone Wanderer: "I almost grabbed a snack while I was there, but that would have been rude."
    Jack Smith: "You're right, it sure would have. You know, you're a breath of fresh air. Every time someone discovers our little secret, we have to hear about it. It's always "oh, how can you do this", or "you're such terrible people", or "please, not me, I have a kid in Rivet City". Well, I have kids too! Family first, that's the way it works in Andale -- from the day that the first four families decided to stay here. You're not bad, stranger. Stop on by anytime and ask Linda for one of her special meat pies."
    (Jack Smith's dialogue)
  2. 2.0 2.1 The Lone Wanderer: "What's up with that James Hargrave kid? He acts like such a brat."
    Lana Danvers: "He's trouble, that's what he is. I don't trust him, and neither should you. His mother is a drunk. Spends all her time in the Muddy Rudder."
    (Lana Danvers' dialogue)
  3. The Lone Wanderer: "I don't think so. I've got questions."
    Tammy Hargrave: "Just make it quick. There's a bottle with my name on it."
    (Tammy Hargrave's dialogue)
  4. The Lone Wanderer: "You don't have to be such a bitch..."
    Tammy Hargrave: "Oh really? My husband ran off and got himself killed, and left me to raise his little brat. So don't you tell me how I should or shouldn't be."
    (Tammy Hargrave's dialogue)
  5. Bugged Tammy Hargrave: "Did I ever tell you about my husband? Got me pregnant with that brat James. Then he ran off. Asshole."
    Zimmer: "I could really care less about you and your brat, Madam."
    (Rivet City conversations; Tammy Hargrave's and Zimmer's dialogue) Note: This would only occur when Dr. Zimmer visits the Muddy Rudder, but due to his package setup he will never leave the science lab under normal conditions.
  6. The Lone Wanderer: "Why is James Hargrave such a brat?"
    Angela Staley: "James' mom, Tammy, is a real bitch. She treats him like crap. I think it's because she drinks too much."
    (Angela Staley)
  7. Tammy Hargrave: "I'm Tammy. Have you seen my good for nothing son lately? The little shit is usually up to no good."
    (Tammy Hargrave's dialogue)
  8. The Lone Wanderer: "Some kids are just born bad."
    Tammy Hargrave: "You got that right. My James sure is. I'll be in the Muddy Rudder later. Stop by and we can have a drink together."
    (Tammy Hargrave's dialogue)
  9. The Lone Wanderer: "Some kids are just born bad."
    Tammy Hargrave: "You got that right. My James sure is. Sit down and buy me a drink."
    (Tammy Hargrave's dialogue)
  10. The Lone Wanderer: "There are no bad children. Only bad parents."
    Tammy Hargrave: "What a load of crap. Obviously you've never had to take care of some squealing little brat."
    (Tammy Hargrave's dialogue)
  11. The Lone Wanderer: "No, I haven't seen him."
    Tammy Hargrave: "Figures. I'm going to the Muddy Rudder for a drink later. If I see you down there, you can buy me a drink."
    (Tammy Hargrave's dialogue)
  12. The Lone Wanderer: "No, I haven't seen him."
    Tammy Hargrave: "Figures. You should buy me a drink now."
    (Tammy Hargrave's dialogue)
  13. 13.0 13.1 Bugged James Hargrave: "Mom, can I go to C.J.'s?"
    Tammy Hargrave: "No. I don't want you hanging around that little bitch. She and her parents think they are so much better than me."
    James Hargrave: "She's not a bitch, you are! I hate you! You're ruining my life."
    (Rivet City conversations; James and Tammy Hargrave's dialogue) Note: This may only occur when James is wandering around the Hargraves' room. Tammy's response incorrectly checks for Vera Weatherly as the target. Thus, it will not play. Bugged
  14. Tammy Hargrave: "Stop that! Don't make me smack you. I oughta lock you in your goddamn room, you little brat. And stay away from that C.J. bitch from now on."
    James Hargrave: "I wasn't doing anything! And C.J. is my friend. I hate you! I hope you die!"
    (Rivet City conversations; Tammy and James Hargrave's dialogue) Note: This may only occur when Tammy and James are wandering around in their room (8 to 9 a.m. and 8 to 10 p.m. daily). Also, the Hargraves stay in the common room of Rivet City, they don't have separate rooms or their own apartment.
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 Harkness: "C.J., don't do everything James tells you. He's a bad example."
    C.J. Young: "James isn't so bad, Chief. He's my friend. I'll make sure he's good."
    (Rivet City conversations; Harkness' and C.J. Young's dialogue)
  16. Tammy Hargrave: "I'm Tammy. Have you seen my good for nothing son lately? The little shit is usually up to no good."
    (Tammy Hargrave's dialogue) Note: This line is spoken if James is not within Tammy's vicinity or line of sight.
  17. The Lone Wanderer: "Is that your son running around here?"
    Tammy Hargrave: "Yeah. That's James. My own little trouble making brat. I'd sell him to you if they'd let me. Unless you've got any more personal questions, I'm busy."
    (Tammy Hargrave's dialogue)
  18. Brock: "Tammy, why don't you take the night off and spend it with James? If there's a repeat of the other night, Belle is going to kick you out."
    Tammy Hargrave: "James? Who knows where that little shit has run off to. Mind your own business, Brock. I'm going to get a drink."
    (Rivet City conversations; Brock's and Tammy Hargrave's dialogue)
  19. The Lone Wanderer: "Where can I get a stiff drink?"
    Tammy Hargrave: "The Muddy Rudder. Belle waters down the liquor, but it's cheap. It's on the lower deck."
    (Tammy Hargrave's dialogue)
  20. C.J. Young: "What do you want to do, James?"
    James Hargrave: "I don't know, what do you want to do?"
    C.J. Young: "I don't know, what do you want to do?"
    James Hargrave: "Stop that! You're so stupid. My Mom says you're ugly and a bitch too."
    C.J. Young: "Why are you so mean sometimes? I'm always nice to you."
    (Rivet City conversations; C.J and James Hargrave's dialogue) Note: This may only occur when C.J. is playing with James.
  21. 21.0 21.1 James Hargrave: "Hey C.J., let's play killer. You pretend to be my Mom, and I'll pretend to be a serial killer."
    C.J. Young: "That doesn't sound like any fun. Let's just play hide and seek."
    (Rivet City conversations; James Hargrave's and C.J. Young's dialogue) Note: This may only occur when C.J. is accompanying James.
  22. The Lone Wanderer: "Why do you let that James Hargrave kid play with your daughter?"
    Christie Young: "That poor child. His mother, Tammy Hargrave, is a very troubled woman. She spends too much time down in the Muddy Rudder, drinking and using foul language. I feel so sorry for him. I think CJ is a good influence on him, but I do worry about the two of them."
    (Christie Young's dialogue)
  23. Christie Young: "Henry, I'm not sure I like C.J. playing with that Hargrave boy. His mother is just dreadful, even if she is on the upper deck."
    Henry Young: "Don't make a fuss over it. TheirIn-game spelling, punctuation and/or grammar just kids. Besides, maybe C.J. will rub off on James and not the other way around."
    (Rivet City conversations; Christie and Henry Young's dialogue) Note: This may only occur when Christie and Henry are sandboxing in their room (for example, at nighttime before going to bed).
  24. The Lone Wanderer: "So, where's your family?"
    James Hargrave: "My mom is probably drunk, and my dad's dead. Is that good enough for you, asshole?"
    (James Hargrave's dialogue) Note: This is the default answer.
  25. The Lone Wanderer: "So, where's your family?"
    James Hargrave: "Dead. Some asshole like you killed them."
    (James Hargrave's dialogue) Note: This line is spoken should his mother Tammy Hargrave be deceased for whatever reason.
  26. The Lone Wanderer: "You don't need to be scared, son."
    James Hargrave: "I ain't scared, and I ain't your son. Any other stupid questions, asshole?"
    (James Hargrave's dialogue)
  27. The Lone Wanderer: "I've met your mother. No wonder you're such a brat."
    James Hargrave: "What did you say about my mother? You... you take that back!"
    (James Hargrave's dialogue)
  28. The Lone Wanderer: "Your mother's a bitch and you're a spoiled little punk."
    James Hargrave: "Oh yeah? Well...well...you're an asshole."
    (James Hargrave's dialogue)
  29. The Lone Wanderer: "You're too chicken to run away."
    James Hargrave: "Shut up, butt wipe."
    (James Hargrave's dialogue)
  30. The Lone Wanderer: "You're too chicken to run away."
    James Hargrave: "Stop saying that, butt face."
    (James Hargrave's dialogue)
  31. The Lone Wanderer: "You're too chicken to run away."
    James Hargrave: "Oh, yeah? I'll show you! I'll show all of you. My mother will be sorry."
    (James Hargrave's dialogue)
  32. The Lone Wanderer: "Ooh! That hurt! Do us all a favor and just run away from home."
    James Hargrave: "I'll show you. I'll show all of you! When I'm gone, my mom will really miss me."
    (James Hargrave's dialogue)
  33. 33.0 33.1 C.J. Young is missing
  34. The Lone Wanderer: "Have you seen C.J. Young lately?"
    Tammy Hargrave: "You mean that brat my James hangs around with? No. I'm not surprised they've gone missing. The two of them are always causing trouble."
    (Tammy Hargrave's dialogue)
  35. The Lone Wanderer: "Have you seen C.J. Young lately?"
    Harkness: "Henry told me her and James were missing. I'll have security keep an eye out for them."
    (Harkness' dialogue)
  36. The Lone Wanderer: "Have you seen C.J. Young lately?"
    Harkness: "I heard she and James were missing. I'll have security keep an eye out for them."
    (Harkness' dialogue)
  37. The Lone Wanderer: "Have you seen C.J. Young lately?"
    Angela Staley: "I thought I saw her and James heading to the gate bridge. They know better than to cross over though. It's dangerous out there."
    (Angela Staley' dialogue)
  38. James Hargrave: "I'm scared. Will you take me home? Take me to my Mom."
    (James Hargrave's dialogue) Note: This greeting line is used when the player finds him after he ran away during the miscellaneous quest The Runaways. This line is only spoken if his mother Tammy is alive.
  39. James Hargrave: "I'm scared. Will you take me home?"
    (James Hargrave's dialogue) Note: This greeting line is used when the player finds him after he ran away during the miscellaneous quest The Runaways. This line is only spoken if his mother Tammy is diseased.
  40. The Lone Wanderer: "Sure, kid. Sorry I said those things. Let's get you home."
    James Hargrave: "Thanks, mister/lady."
    (James Hargrave's dialogue)
  41. The Lone Wanderer: "This is your mess, kid. Get yourself out of it."
    James Hargrave: "You're still an asshole. Well, guess what. I'm going to follow you anyway. And if you aren't going back, we'll just stay here."
    (James Hargrave's dialogue)
  42. 42.0 42.1 Tammy Hargrave: "Don't slouch. Chew your food. And don't give me that look or I'll slap it right off your face!"
    James Hargrave: "Yes, mom."
    (Rivet City conversations; Tammy and James Hargrave's dialogue) Note: This may only occur when Tammy and James are eating at Gary's Galley.
  43. 43.0 43.1 James Hargrave: "Mom, do I have to eat this?"
    Tammy Hargrave: "Shut your trap. You'll eat what I give you and be grateful for it, or I'll give you something to be really sorry for."
    (Rivet City conversations; James and Tammy Hargrave's dialogue) Note: This may only occur when James and Tammy are eating at Gary's Galley.
  44. Tammy Hargrave: "Gary, you know what I like. Make it rare. Oh, and get James something too. Not too expensive though. He's been naughty."
    Gary Staley: "My pleasure, Tammy. I think I have some Iguana Bits for James."
    "Right away, Tammy."
    (Rivet City conversations; Tammy Hargrave's and Gary Staley's dialogue) Note: This may only occur when Tammy and James are eating at Gary's Galley. Gary's second response is never used since it depends on James being dead; James, like all children in Fallout 3, cannot be killed.
  45. Paulie Cantelli: "Man, I'm so hungry. When I come down, I really get a need to feed."
    Tammy Hargrave: "Do I look like I give a crap? Now get away from me. I don't want you filling James' head with your dopehead ideas."
    "Do I look like I give a crap? Now get away from me."
    (Rivet City conversations; Paulie Cantelli's and Tammy Hargrave's dialogue) Note: Tammy is intended to use the second response instead of the first if James Hargrave is dead. However, James, like all children, cannot normally be killed in Fallout 3.
  46. The Lone Wanderer: "Heard any stories about the city's history?"
    James Hargrave: "Yeah, dad built it to fight off the Mirelurks! And mom - she's, like, the Mirelurk queen!"
    (James Hargrave's dialogue) Note: This is the default answer.
  47. The Lone Wanderer: "Heard any stories about the city's history?"
    James Hargrave: "Yeah, dad built it to fight off the Mirelurks! And that's why they're all gone, now!"
    (James Hargrave's dialogue) Note: This is the answer should his mother Tammy Hargrave be either dead or enslaved.
  48. The Lone Wanderer: "Do you know anything about Rivet City? How they made it? Anything?"
    James Hargrave: "It's a boat. A really big boat."
    (James Hargrave's dialogue)
  49. The Lone Wanderer: "Have you seen C.J. Young lately?"
    Lana Danvers: "Christie told me they were missing. I'll alert the rest of the security guards."
    (Lana Danvers' dialogue)
  50. The Lone Wanderer: "Have you seen C.J. Young lately?"
    Lana Danvers: "I heard she and James were missing. I'll have security keep an eye out for them."
    (Lana Danvers' dialogue)
  51. The Lone Wanderer: "I bet you aren't afraid of anything. Would you steal some ammo for me?"
    James Hargrave: "Of course I'm not afraid. I'll take it and he'll never know. I'll have it by tomorrow."
    (James Hargrave's dialogue)
  52. The Lone Wanderer: "Hey, did you ever steal any ammo from Flak and Shrapnel for me?"
    James Hargrave: "Sure. I pinched this from his table. He never even saw me. I can get you some more by tomorrow."
    (James Hargrave's dialogue)
  53. Clifford: "Saint Monica bless you, C.J. Have you spoken to James about coming to church? I'd really like to see him here."
    C.J. Young: "Thank you, Father. I tried, but his mother said no. Sorry."
    (Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and C.J. Young's dialogue) Note: This may only occur when Father Clifford and C.J. are wandering around Saint Monica's Church in the hour after Sunday services. It is conditioned to not play if James is dead, but this will not happen since children are ordinarily unkillable in-game.
  54. Ted Strayer: "Hey, squirt."
    James Hargrave: "I'm not a squirt! My name is James, and you're an asshole. My mom said you're good for nothing, and she oughta know."
    (Rivet City conversations; Ted Strayer's and James Hargrave's dialogue)
  55. James Hargrave: "You're nothin' but a talking refrigerator."
    (JamesHargrave's dialogue) Note: This floating line directed towards Mister Buckingham.
  56. James Hargrave: "Outta my way, tin can."
    (JamesHargrave's dialogue) Note: This floating line directed towards Private Jones.
  57. 57.0 57.1 Harkness: "James, you stay out of trouble."
    James Hargrave: "Fu...I mean, yes sir, Chief Harkness."
    (Rivet City conversations; Harkness' and James Hargrave's dialogue)
  58. Paulie Cantelli: "Man, I'm so hungry. When I come down, I really get a need to feed."
    Tammy Hargrave: "Do I look like I give a crap? Now get away from me. I don't want you filling James' head with your dopehead ideas."
    "Do I look like I give a crap? Now get away from me."
    (Rivet City conversations; Paulie Cantelli's and Tammy Hargrave's dialogue) Note: Tammy is intended to use the second response instead of the first if James Hargrave is dead. However, James, like all children, cannot normally be killed in Fallout 3.

Non-game

  1. Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.99: "Tammy Hargrave
    Tammy is a sour, middle-aged woman who drinks too much. She married James's father out of sheer desperation, and when he died at the hands of Raiders, she was left with his "brat" son. She took James to Rivet City. Tammy considers herself better than most of Rivet City's citizens. Ironically, Tammy spends her days getting drunk in the Muddy Rudder surrounded by riffraff and often doesn't return home for days at a time. She never knows where James is, because she simply doesn't care."
    (Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)
  2. Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.78: "James Hargrave
    James Hargrave is one of Rivet City's few kids. He doesn't spend any more time in the cramped quarters than he has to and can usually be found in the company of his friend C.J. Young. The two of them like to play in the storage rooms or hang around on the flight deck. James is alternately sullen and wild. He will do just about anything on a dare. He is capable of holding a grudge for months. He is loyal to C.J. but picks on her mercilessly. The two don't have many other options for play-mates, so C.J. tolerates the abuse. On the rare occasions when C.J. stands up for herself, James is devastated and will do anything to earn her forgiveness."
    (Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)
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