# Broderson — The Octopus character guide

> Broderson in The Octopus by Frank Norris.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** old Broderson, Mr. Broderson, Old Mrs. Broderson

**First appearance:** 0005-book-i

## Snapshot

An old rancher whose failed wheat crop and murmured doubts about railroad pledges mark him as one of the valley's quiet, anxious survivors.

## Who they are

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 is not always too much hindered by its pledges. His half-failed crop and his quiet skepticism represent the older generation of farmers whose patience is running out but whose resistance is slow to kindle.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/broderson
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