# Hilma Tree — The Octopus character guide

> Hilma Tree in The Octopus by Frank Norris.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Hilma, Miss Hilma, Tree

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

## Snapshot

A dairy girl on the Quien Sabe with sunburnt arms and unguarded warmth, she becomes the unexpected center of Annixter's guarded heart.

## Who they are

Hilma works among the cows and butter churns of Annixter's ranch, cheerful, capable, and unimpressed by her employer's bluster. Her frank kindness draws out a side of Annixter he hides from everyone else, and their halting courtship becomes one of the novel's few tender threads. She matters because she humanizes the ranch economy, reminding readers that the wheat war is fought over lives as much as land.

## Relationships

### [Annixter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/annixter)

_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_

Hilma Tree is a kind and gentle presence in Presley's life, offering him warmth and a connection to the human side of the ranching community.

### [Annixter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/annixter)

_romantic_

Annixter initially treats Hilma with gruffness and desire, but eventually falls deeply in love with her, leading to a transformative and tender marriage.

### [Annixter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/annixter)

_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_

Hilma Tree is a kind and gentle presence in Presley's life, offering him warmth and a connection to the human side of the ranching community.

### [Presley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/presley)

_friendship_

Hilma Tree is a kind and gentle presence in Presley's life, offering him warmth and a connection to the human side of the ranching community.

## In the story

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

The dairy girl who attracts Annixter; she is seen talking with Delaney and later serves Annixter breakfast.

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

Working in the dairy-house, singing, and cleaning; Annixter is captivated by her vitality and beauty.

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

Gathers watercresses under the Long Trestle, plays in the creek, and feels shy and avoids Annixter after the barn dance.

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

Newly married to Annixter, helps set the table, and experiences seasickness during the train journey home.

### [Chapter V: The Chase](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/v)

Observes the commotion from her doorway, unaware of the full situation.

### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/vi)

Sits like a queen during the barbecue, her maternal radiance inspiring reverence even in Osterman.

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

Discovers her home looted and her belongings destroyed; suffers a miscarriage later that night.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/ix)

Now Mrs. Annixter, a widow in black, dignified and softened by grief; Presley offers her friendship and support.

### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/conclusion)

Widowed by Annixter's death in the dawn of her happiness.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/hilma_tree
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters