# J. Arnold Ross — Oil! character guide

> J. Arnold Ross in Oil! by Upton Sinclair.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** J. Arnold Ross Says, Mr. Ross, the great Mr. Ross, Mr. J. Arnold Ross, Arnold

**First appearance:** 0001-oil

## Who they are

A prominent figure in the Ross family, possibly Bunny's uncle.

## In the story

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

Referenced as the oil operator who publicly objected to speed laws and later changed them.

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

Bunny's father, a successful oil operator formerly a teamster and general merchant. His mind is methodical and focused on business, bank accounts, and the car. He is wrapped in an opulent overcoat, thinking of wells, leases, and his son's future.

### [II: The Lease](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii-the-lease)

Delivers a persuasive speech at the lease meeting, emphasizing his experience and threatening to move to another lease.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv)

The wealthy oil operator whose offer divides the community; his arrival at the meeting is the climax of the chapter.

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

Arrives as the great oil man, commanding the room with his presence and demeanor.

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

Delivers a persuasive speech to the landowners, presenting himself as a trustworthy oil man with ready equipment and a new well at Lobos River.

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

Described as typical of oil employers who leave union matters to others; his reputation for 'squareness' is invoked by the union committee.

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

Bunny's father, mentioned in the surveillance file as vice-president of Ross Consolidated Oil Co.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii)

Bunny's father, horrified by the radical meeting and fearful that 'Hands off Russia' means an attack on Ross Consolidated.

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

His presence and approval are described as sufficient to prevent any hotel from questioning Bunny and Vee's relationship.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii)

J. Arnold Ross is mentioned as an associate of Roscoe and O'Reilly, and Dan Irving worries about investigating him due to Bunny's connection.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv)

Father of the bride at Alberta's wedding; described as looking like a ringmaster.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/j_arnold_ross
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters