# Joe Massara — Little Caesar character guide

> Joe Massara in Little Caesar by W. R. Burnett.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Joe, Gentleman, Gentleman Joe, Gentleman Joe Massara

**First appearance:** 0002-little-caesar

## Snapshot

Gentleman Joe arrives late in evening clothes, black hair sleek and parted like Valentino's, and dances for money — a front Rico swears will turn yellow someday.

## Who they are

Joe Massara is the gang's polished front man, able to walk into swell hotels and ask for a suite, vain of his resemblance to the late Mr. Rudolph Valentino. Vettori insists they can't do without him, Tony Passa calls the dancing a smart cover, but Rico hates him and predicts he'll go soft. That split — between the outfit's need for a gentleman and Rico's contempt for one — plants the rivalry that will test every loyalty in the gang.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-i-i)

A well-dressed dancer used for his front; late to the meeting, but agrees to participate.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-i-ii)

Noted as a swell Italian who once passed as a count and hooked a rich widow.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-i-v)

Joe arrives at the club, interacts with the check-girl and Olga, and accepts a dance booking from DeVoss.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-ii-i)

Acts as an inside man at the club, feigns being a victim during the holdup, later demands his share.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-ii-ii)

Present during the confrontation, visibly fearful but sides with Rico, recognizing Rico's toughness.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-ii-iii)

Brings the robbery figures to Rico and leaves through a hidden panel to avoid the detectives.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-iii-iii)

Mentioned as safe as long as he isn't arrested and interrogated, as he cannot withstand pressure.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-iii-v)

Dining with Olga, feeling affectionate and content until he learns of Tony Passa's murder, which leaves him pale and disturbed.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-iv-vi)

Dancer at The Bronze Peacock; pressured by Rico to remain in the criminal racket.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-v-ii)

Arrives at the drugstore after being tipped off about the attack, accompanies Rico back to The Palermo.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-vi-ii)

Joe bursts into Olga's room, visibly pale and shaken after a woman screamed at him during his Pierrot dance.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-vi-iii)

Arrested by Flaherty and Rieger at Olga's apartment, handcuffed, and jailed.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-vi-v)

Referenced as having confessed to the police about the Courtney murder, triggering the chapter's crisis.

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

Has turned state's evidence, leading to the police hunt for Rico.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-vi-vii)

Arrested and named in the papers as a gang chief, described as wearing a tuxedo.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-vii-iii)

Turned State's evidence and was sentenced to life imprisonment.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/characters/joe_massara
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/characters