# Annixter — The Octopus character guide > Annixter in The Octopus by Frank Norris. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Annixter, Buck Annixter, young Annixter, old Buck Annixter **First appearance:** 0005-book-i ## Snapshot Blunt, profane proprietor of the Quien Sabe, he scorns sentiment and neighbors alike until a dairy girl and a railroad threat crack his hard shell. ## Who they are Annixter runs his ranch with a bachelor's ferocity, hoarding his profits and feuding with anyone who trespasses on his temper. His growing attraction to Hilma Tree unsettles the very self-reliance he prizes, exposing a tenderness he'd rather deny. As the railroad's freight rates tighten, his stubborn independence becomes both a weapon and a liability in the ranchers' early organizing. ## Relationships ### [Hilma Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/hilma_tree) _romantic_ Annixter initially treats Hilma with gruffness and desire, but eventually falls deeply in love with her, leading to a transformative and tender marriage. ### [Presley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/presley) _friendship_ Annixter and Presley are close friends and confidants, with Annixter often grounding Presley's idealism with practical, blunt advice. ### [Magnus Derrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/magnus_derrick) _professional_ Annixter is a fellow rancher and ally of Magnus Derrick in the fight against the railroad, though their relationship is marked by mutual respect and occasional tension over strategy. ### [Harran Derrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/harran_derrick) _friendship_ Annixter and Harran Derrick are fellow ranchers and allies, sharing a pragmatic camaraderie in their opposition to the railroad. ### [Osterman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/osterman) _professional_ Annixter and Osterman are fellow ranchers and members of the League, with Osterman's scheming nature creating friction with Annixter's blunt honesty. ### [Delaney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/delaney) _rivalry_ Delaney is a railroad henchman who repeatedly clashes with Annixter, culminating in a violent confrontation over land rights. ### [Hilma Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/hilma_tree) _romantic_ Annixter initially treats Hilma with gruffness and desire, but eventually falls deeply in love with her, leading to a transformative and tender marriage. ### [Presley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/presley) _friendship_ Annixter and Presley are close friends and confidants, with Annixter often grounding Presley's idealism with practical, blunt advice. ### [Osterman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/osterman) _professional_ Annixter and Osterman are fellow ranchers and members of the League, with Osterman's scheming nature creating friction with Annixter's blunt honesty. ### [Presley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/presley) _friendship_ Annixter and Presley are close friends and confidants, with Annixter often grounding Presley's idealism with practical, blunt advice. ### [Delaney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/delaney) _rivalry_ Delaney is a railroad henchman who repeatedly clashes with Annixter, culminating in a violent confrontation over land rights. ### [Magnus Derrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/magnus_derrick) _professional_ Annixter is a fellow rancher and ally of Magnus Derrick in the fight against the railroad, though their relationship is marked by mutual respect and occasional tension over strategy. ## In the story ### [Principal Characters in the Novel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/principal-characters-in-the-novel) Proprietor of the Quien Sabe Rancho. ### [The Octopus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/the-octopus) A young, energetic rancher who is deeply involved in the fight against the railroad's land grab. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/ii) Struggles with his attraction to Hilma Tree, observes her with Delaney, and prepares to visit Los Muertos. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/iii) Arrives at Los Muertos, argues about land grading and railroad politics, clashes with Magnus, and later storms out of his room after a prank. ### [Vanamee's Grief and the Ploughing of Quien Sabe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/iv) Oversees the ploughing on Quien Sabe, communicating with division superintendents by telephone. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/v) Observes his barn construction, interacts with Hilma Tree, and persuades Harran Derrick to join the ranchers' league. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/vi) Hosts the barn dance preparations and participates in the harness room meeting where the League is formed. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/book-ii) Receives Osterman's telegram about the railroad's plans and becomes agitated. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/ii) Experiences a sudden, overwhelming realization of his love for Hilma Tree, paralleled by the wheat's emergence. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as being on the ranch, out-watching the stars during the same night. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/iv) Returns from honeymoon with Hilma, reads David Copperfield, and participates in the heated meeting accusing Lyman of betrayal. ### [Chapter V: The Chase](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/v) Shares his moral awakening with Presley, then aids Dyke's escape by providing a horse and supplies. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/vi) Undergoes a spiritual transformation through his love for Hilma and the unborn child, showing newfound humility and pity. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/vii) Killed in the fight at the irrigating ditch; his body is taken to Los Muertos. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/viii) Mentioned as being devoured by the system, killed at the irrigating ditch. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/conclusion) Remembered as having died at the moment of his moral salvation; his death saves lives in India. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/annixter - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters