# The Industrialist — Short Science Fiction character guide

> The Industrialist in Short Science Fiction by Isaac Asimov.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** VII The Industrialist

**First appearance:** 0000-the-magnificent-possession

## Who they are

A wealthy industrial figure appearing in the narrative.

## Relationships

### [The Astronomer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/the_astronomer)

_rivalry_

The Astronomer and The Industrialist represent opposing worldviews, likely clashing over the use of science versus profit.

### [Red](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/red)

_rivalry_

Red and The Industrialist are adversaries, with Red likely opposing the Industrialist's exploitative or authoritarian agenda.

### [Slim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/slim)

_rivalry_

Slim and The Industrialist are enemies, with Slim actively opposing the Industrialist's schemes.

### [Red](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/red)

_rivalry_

Red and The Industrialist are adversaries, with Red likely opposing the Industrialist's exploitative or authoritarian agenda.

### [The Astronomer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/the_astronomer)

_rivalry_

The Astronomer and The Industrialist represent opposing worldviews, likely clashing over the use of science versus profit.

### [The Astronomer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/the_astronomer)

_rivalry_

The Astronomer and The Industrialist represent opposing worldviews, likely clashing over the use of science versus profit.

### [Slim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/slim)

_rivalry_

Slim and The Industrialist are enemies, with Slim actively opposing the Industrialist's schemes.

### [Red](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/red)

_rivalry_

Red and The Industrialist are adversaries, with Red likely opposing the Industrialist's exploitative or authoritarian agenda.

## In the story

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

Debates the Astronomer about the value of youth and change, expresses suspicion about the aliens' motives, and interacts with Slim.

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

Referred to as 'the Merchant' in this chapter; injured in the crash and terrified of the giant natives.

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

Questions Red about the noise he heard and walks with the Astronomer toward the hill.

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

Debates the Astronomer about the aliens' intentions, expressing suspicion and concern about possible invasion.

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

Discusses the crashed alien ship with the Astronomer, then confronts Red about stealing chopped meat for his pets.

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

Mentioned as the husband of the woman who defends Slim at lunch.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/x)

Initially dismissive, he orders the boys inside and plans to kill the creatures, but is persuaded by the Astronomer to go to the barn.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/xi)

Struggles to communicate telepathically with the aliens, learns of their weapon and their deliberate non-violence toward the boys.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/xii)

Reflects on his changed view of the aliens and expresses pride in the children's audacity.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters/the_industrialist
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_science_fiction_se/characters