# Ramón Otero — Little Caesar character guide

> Ramón Otero in Little Caesar by W. R. Burnett.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Otero, III Otero, V Otero

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

## Snapshot

Called The Greek, Otero sits immobile under the green-shaded lamp, dark face livid and cavernous, saying nothing whether he wins or loses and counting his money with cold precision.

## Who they are

Otero is a fellow gambler in Vettori's circle, a man of few words whose stillness reads as either patience or menace. He matches no one's stakes, offers no opinions on Joe or Rico, and when Montana leaves he pronounces simply, "He ain't so much" — a judgment Rico laughs over. His silence and his winnings make him a quiet counterweight in the room, a reminder that in this world the man who says least may be watching closest.

## Relationships

### [Rico](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/characters/rico)

_rivalry_

Ramón Otero is a rival gang leader who frequently clashes with Rico over territory and power.

### [Rico](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/characters/rico)

_rivalry_

Ramón Otero is a rival gang leader who frequently clashes with Rico over territory and power.

### [Rico](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_caesar_se/characters/rico)

_rivalry_

Ramón Otero is a rival gang leader who frequently clashes with Rico over territory and power.

## In the story

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

A quiet, loyal member of the crew; assigned to handle a gun during the robbery.

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

Described as crazy about Rico and handy with a rod, considered reliable despite being a foreigner.

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

Otero lies smoking a cigar, singing softly, and expresses unwavering loyalty to Rico, comparing him to Pancho Villa.

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

Participates in the robbery, carries a riot gun, remains calm under pressure.

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

Locks up the riot gun and silently backs Rico during the standoff with Vettori.

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

Sits smoking with eyes closed during the detectives' visit; receives his share of the money and leaves to see his woman.

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

Drunk and belligerent, singing, bragging, and professing his love for Rico before falling asleep.

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

Drunk and singing, he is beaten and forcibly sobered by Rico, feeling ashamed afterward.

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

Loyal lieutenant to Rico; watches Rico's back during the police confrontation; comments on Tony's mother's grief.

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

Silently supports Rico during the power shift.

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

Is found dozing in Rico's apartment, asks for money because he is broke after spending his Casa Alvarado split, and excitedly points himself out in the newspaper photo.

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

Stays outside the office to guard the door and prevent anyone from entering.

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

Loyally watches over Rico, refusing to leave despite Rico's protests; admires Rico's toughness and compares him to Pancho Villa.

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

Rico recalls hitting the rods with Otero after blowing his stake in Toledo.

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

Warns Rico about Joe's betrayal; is shot by a policeman and dies urging Rico to run.

## Links

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