# Jesse Rickey — Cimarron character guide

> Jesse Rickey in Cimarron by Edna Ferber.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Jesse, the wavering Jesse Rickey

**First appearance:** 0011-viii

## Snapshot

A linotype operator in the Wigwam's back shop whose wavering will makes him a pawn in Osage's rough-and-tumble politics.

## Who they are

Jesse Rickey runs the linotype alongside Cliff Means, laboring late by the little light in the printing shop while the town sleeps. He is the kind of man others lean on and then push, useful for his hands and his vote, uncertain enough to be steered. In a boomtown where the newspaper is a weapon, the men who set the type stand close to every secret and every scheme, and Jesse's weakness is exactly what the powerful count on.

## In the story

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cimarron_se/chapters/vi)

Yancey goes to see him about putting up the press and setting up type racks.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cimarron_se/chapters/ix)

Instructed by Yancey to shut the tent flap to prevent a stampede.

### [The Founding of the Philomathean Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cimarron_se/chapters/x)

Assists Yancey in distributing the fake newspaper and shares in the joke.

### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cimarron_se/chapters/xiv)

Uncertain assistant who helps Sabra get out the paper during Yancey's absences.

### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cimarron_se/chapters/xvi)

Erratic printer at the Wigwam, takes Yancey's return for granted.

### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cimarron_se/chapters/xviii)

Mentioned as wavering in his loyalty at the Wigwam under Sabra's rule.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cimarron_se/chapters/xix)

Tells Yancey that Cim cannot be a newspaper man; has mournful, drooping mustaches.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cimarron_se/characters/jesse_rickey
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cimarron_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cimarron_se/characters