# Magnus Derrick — The Octopus character guide > Magnus Derrick in The Octopus by Frank Norris. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Magnus, Derrick, Mr. Magnus Derrick, Mr. Derrick **First appearance:** 0005-book-i ## Snapshot A former governor turned gentleman rancher, he leads his neighbors against the railroad while clinging to a dignity that may cost him everything. ## Who they are Magnus Derrick presides over Los Muertos with the bearing of a statesman, respected by ranchers who call him Governor and trusted to head their league against the Pacific and Southwestern. His sense of honor is both his strength and his vulnerability, for he cannot quite believe the railroad would stoop to the treacheries he suspects. His choices in the early campaign set the moral stakes for the entire valley's resistance. ## Relationships ### [Annixter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/annixter) _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. ### [Presley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/presley) _friendship_ Magnus Derrick is a father figure and mentor to Presley, sharing his ideals and frustrations about the railroad's oppression. ### [Harran Derrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/harran_derrick) _family_ Harran is Magnus Derrick's loyal and capable son, who supports his father's political and ranching ambitions but is ultimately destroyed by the railroad conflict. ### [Governor Alvarado](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/governor_alvarado) _professional_ Governor Alvarado is a political ally of Magnus Derrick, supporting his anti-railroad stance but ultimately proving ineffectual against corporate power. ### [Osterman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/osterman) _professional_ Magnus Derrick and Osterman are fellow ranchers and League members, with Osterman's manipulative tactics causing conflict with Magnus's sense of honor. ### [Genslinger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/genslinger) _rivalry_ Genslinger is a corrupt newspaper editor and enemy of Magnus Derrick, using his paper to smear the ranchers and support the railroad. ### [Governor Alvarado](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/governor_alvarado) _professional_ Governor Alvarado is a political ally of Magnus Derrick, supporting his anti-railroad stance but ultimately proving ineffectual against corporate power. ### [Presley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/presley) _friendship_ Magnus Derrick is a father figure and mentor to Presley, sharing his ideals and frustrations about the railroad's oppression. ### [Harran Derrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/harran_derrick) _family_ Harran is Magnus Derrick's loyal and capable son, who supports his father's political and ranching ambitions but is ultimately destroyed by the railroad conflict. ### [Annixter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/annixter) _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. ### [Osterman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/osterman) _professional_ Magnus Derrick and Osterman are fellow ranchers and League members, with Osterman's manipulative tactics causing conflict with Magnus's sense of honor. ### [Presley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/presley) _friendship_ Magnus Derrick is a father figure and mentor to Presley, sharing his ideals and frustrations about the railroad's oppression. ## 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 Los Muertos Rancho, referred to as the 'Governor'. ### [The Octopus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/the-octopus) The dignified and principled leader of the ranchers, determined to resist the railroad's encroachment. ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/book-i) The dignified and principled owner of Los Muertos, who is increasingly troubled by the railroad's encroachment. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/iii) Hosts the meeting, asserts his integrity against Annixter's accusations, and represents the 'Old School' of statesmanship. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/vi) Proposed as President of the League during the harness room meeting; urges moderation but is overruled by the crowd's enthusiasm. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/i) Listens to Cedarquist's views on public indifference and trusts, and mentions the pending decision in his case. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/ii) Appears briefly in the doorway of his ranch house as Annixter and Harran converse on the porch. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/iv) Returns from the city, chairs the League meeting, and confronts his son Lyman about the rate schedule. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/vii) Grieves for his son Harran but offers shelter to Hilma and the Dykes at Los Muertos. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/chapters/viii) Referenced as having been beggared by the railroad, contributing to the wealth of men like Gerard. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/magnus_derrick - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters