# Billy Wilkins — Short Fiction character guide

> Billy Wilkins in Short Fiction by R. A. Lafferty.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Billy, Bracken, Blackjack Bracken, Blackjack

**First appearance:** 0013-sodom-and-gomorrah-texas

## Snapshot

A man of many names and dubious trades, Billy Wilkins slips through the story as a con artist, a professor, and whatever role the moment demands.

## Who they are

Billy Wilkins operates under aliases like Blackjack Bracken and the invented Graf-Doktor Hercule Bienville-Stravroguine, moving through scenes with the easy confidence of a man who has never been pinned down. He's the kind of figure who appears at the edge of other people's crises, offering smooth kindness or shady deals depending on what serves him. His shape-shifting presence keeps the reader guessing about who he really is and what he wants from the chaos around him.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_45_se/chapters/i)

Mentioned as the owner of the Reptile Farm where the blob is to be sold.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_45_se/chapters/ii)

Billy buys the blob from Cecil and his friends, puts him in the snake house, and later discusses a contract with Blackjack Bracken.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_45_se/chapters/iii)

Owner of the Reptile Ranch and casino; loses his businesses to the blob in poker.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_45_se/chapters/iv)

Mentioned as part of a contract that is no longer in effect.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_45_se/characters/billy_wilkins
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_45_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_45_se/characters