The Octopus · Character
Broderson
An old rancher whose failed wheat crop and murmured doubts about railroad pledges mark him as one of the valley's quiet, anxious survivors.
supporting
Also known as old Broderson, Mr. Broderson, Old Mrs. Broderson
First appearance: book i
As a supporting figure in The Octopus, Broderson is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
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Broderson is an elderly rancher and neighbor to Magnus Derrick, his land divided from Los Muertos by the County Road. He is cautious, weary, and inclined to murmur rather than fight, as when he notes that the railroad…
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The fuller portrait of Broderson sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Broderson in book iCharacter Web
28 connectionsA slice of how Broderson sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Central ranchers and antagonists
- Minor family and household members
- Minor and symbolic characters
+23 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative 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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