The Octopus · Character

S. Behrman

The railroad's fat, unctuous agent in Bonneville, he holds mortgages and favors like reins, squeezing ranchers with a smile and a handshake.

major

Also known as Behrman, Mr. S. Behrman, old jelly-belly Behrman

First appearance: Book I

As a major figure in The Octopus, S. Behrman is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The local representative of the railroad, embodying the cold, calculating force of corporate oppression.

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S. Behrman is the Pacific and Southwestern Railroad's local representative, the man who negotiates rates, holds paper on struggling farmers, and appears arm-in-arm with the very men he ruins. He is outwardly genial, even slappable on the back, yet his power is absolute and his methods are patient and devouring. As the human face of the railroad's grip on the San Joaquin, he embodies the novel's central conflict between growers and the corporate octopus.

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See S. Behrman in Book I

Character Web

31 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central ranchers and antagonists
Minor and symbolic characters
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt represents the story's dramatic climax because it reveals the complete psychological collapse of…

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In the story

S. Behrman appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Octopus
The local representative of the railroad, embodying the cold, calculating force of corporate oppression.
Book I
The local representative of the railroad, a shrewd and imposing figure who embodies corporate power.
Chapter V: The Chase
Joins the posse, laboriously following the chase, determined to capture Dyke.
Chapter VII
Mentioned as alive and successful, having taken possession of Quien Sabe after the battle.
IX
Visits his new elevator at Port Costa to oversee the bulk handling of Los Muertos' wheat, savoring his triumph.

Chapter companion notes

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See S. Behrman in Book I

See S. Behrman in The Octopus