# The Octopus — Character guide

> Key figures in The Octopus by Frank Norris.

- [Presley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/presley.md): A poet and observer of the wheat conflict, central to the novel's philosophical themes.
- [Annixter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/annixter.md): A passionate and impulsive rancher who owns the Los Muertos ranch.
- [Magnus Derrick](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/magnus_derrick.md): A dignified former governor and rancher, leader of the farmers' resistance.
- [Vanamee](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/vanamee.md): A mystical shepherd and Presley's friend, haunted by a past tragedy.
- [Hilma Tree](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/hilma_tree.md): A kind-hearted young woman who works on Annixter's ranch and becomes his love interest.
- [Harran Derrick](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/harran_derrick.md): Magnus Derrick's son, a practical and hardworking rancher.
- [S. Behrman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/behrman.md): A corrupt railroad agent and the primary antagonist for the farmers.
- [Minna Hooven](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/minna_hooven.md): A young woman from a struggling farming family who faces tragedy in the city.
- [Osterman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/osterman.md): A shrewd and scheming rancher involved in the farmers' league.
- [Dyke](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/dyke.md): A former railroad engineer turned hop farmer who is ruined by the railroad.
- [Broderson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/broderson.md): An elderly rancher and neighbor to Magnus Derrick.
- [Delaney](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/delaney.md): A hot-headed young rancher who challenges Annixter.
- [Father Sarria](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/father_sarria.md): A Catholic priest who counsels Vanamee and knows the local community.
- [Angéle Varian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/angele_varian.md): Vanamee's lost love, whose memory haunts him throughout the story.
- [Genslinger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/genslinger.md): A newspaper editor who opposes the farmers' cause.
- [Hilda Hooven](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/hilda_hooven.md): Minna's younger sister, who suffers alongside her family.
- [Sidney Dyke](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/sydney_dyke.md): Dyke's young daughter, who is deeply affected by her father's downfall.
- [Caraher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/caraher.md): A saloon keeper and friend to the ranchers, often providing refuge.
- [Cedarquist](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/cedarquist.md): A wealthy businessman and Presley's uncle, involved in shipping.
- [Shelgrim](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/shelgrim.md): The powerful president of the Pacific and Southwestern Railroad.
- [Ruggles](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/ruggles.md): A railroad agent and assistant to Behrman.
- [Vacca](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/vaccia.md): A young man from a ranching family, briefly involved in the conflict.
- [Garnett](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/garnett.md): A minor rancher and member of the farmers' league.
- [Cutter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/cutter.md): A local resident, possibly a rancher or neighbor.
- [Phelps](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/phelps.md): A minor character associated with the railroad or community.
- [Hartrath](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/hartrath.md): A minor figure in the novel's social or business circles.
- [Keast](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/keast.md): A minor character, possibly a lawyer or businessman.
- [Governor Alvarado](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/governor_alvarado.md): A historical figure mentioned in the context of California land grants.
- [Mrs. Derrick](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/mrs_derrick.md): Magnus Derrick's wife, a gentle and religious woman.
- [Gethings](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/gethings.md): A minor character, possibly a railroad or legal figure.
- [Dabney](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/dabney.md): A deceased rancher mentioned in passing.
- [Gerard](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/gerard.md): A wealthy family associated with the railroad or high society.
- [Mammy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/mammy.md): An elderly servant or nurse in the Derrick household.
- [Princess Nathalie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/princess_nathalie.md): A European aristocrat visiting California, connected to the railroad.
- [De La Cuesta](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/de_la_cuesta.md): A historical figure or minor character with Spanish heritage.
- [Billy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/billy.md): A minor character, possibly a ranch hand or worker.
- [Disbrow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/disbrow.md): A minor figure, possibly a lawyer or businessman.
- [Julian Lambert](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/julian_lambert.md): A young man from a ranching family, briefly mentioned.
- [Mrs. Annixter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/mrs_annixter.md): Annixter's mother, mentioned in passing.
- [Ulsteen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/ulsteen.md): A minor character, possibly a railroad or business figure.
- [Mrs. Tree](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/mrs_tree.md): Hilma's mother, a minor character in the Tree family.
- [Honora Gerard](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/honora_gerard.md): A child from the Gerard family, briefly mentioned.
- [Stephen Lambert](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/stephen_lambert.md): A minor character from a ranching family.
- [Samson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/samson.md): A biblical reference or minor character name-dropped.
- [Solotari](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/solotari.md): A minor character, possibly a worker or local figure.
- [James Darrell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/james_darrell.md): A minor character, possibly a rancher or businessman.
- [Beatrice](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/beatrice.md): A minor female character, possibly a servant or acquaintance.
- [Liberty](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/liberty.md): A minor character, possibly a symbolic or allegorical figure.
- [Louisa Vacca](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/louisa_vacca.md): A young woman from the Vacca family, briefly mentioned.
- [Bonneville](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/bonneville.md): A town or location personified in the narrative.
- [Dot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/dot.md): A minor character, possibly a nickname or child.
- [Chattern](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/chattern.md): A minor character, possibly a lawyer or official.
- [Pixley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/pixley.md): A minor character, possibly a journalist or politician.
- [Esteban](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/esteban.md): A minor character, possibly a worker or servant.
- [Harrie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/harrie.md): A minor female character, possibly a child or servant.
- [Miss Cedarquist](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/miss_cedarquist.md): Cedarquist's daughter, briefly mentioned in social context.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_octopus_se/characters