The Octopus · Character

Osterman

A bald, big-eared rancher with a comic actor's face, he schemes, jokes, and slaps the railroad's agent on the back while drowning in debt.

supporting

Also known as goat Osterman, Mr. Osterman, young Osterman

First appearance: book i

See Osterman in book i Book page

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Osterman is a young rancher who leaves his land to superintendents and lives in Bonneville, forever chasing new hobbies—banjos, archery, leatherwork—and telling stories in which he is the hero. He is heavily in debt to S. Behrman, who has squeezed him viciously for interest, yet Osterman remains chummy with his creditor, slapping his fat back and calling him 'old jelly-belly.' His restless scheming and need to astonish make him a volatile force in the farmers' league, where his energy might serve the cause or undermine it.

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The fuller portrait of Osterman sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Osterman in book i

Character Web

35 connections

A slice of how Osterman sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Central ranchers and antagonists
Minor and symbolic characters
Minor family and household members

+30 more in the full Character Web

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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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Relationships

Annixter
professional · ambivalent
Magnus Derrick
professional · negative
Annixter
professional · ambivalent
Magnus Derrick
professional · negative
Annixter
professional · ambivalent
Magnus Derrick
professional · negative

Annixter
Annixter and Osterman are fellow ranchers and members of the League, with Osterman's scheming nature creating friction with Annixter's blunt honesty.
Magnus Derrick
Magnus Derrick and Osterman are fellow ranchers and League members, with Osterman's manipulative tactics causing conflict with Magnus's sense of honor.
Annixter
Annixter and Osterman are fellow ranchers and members of the League, with Osterman's scheming nature creating friction with Annixter's blunt honesty.
Magnus Derrick
Magnus Derrick and Osterman are fellow ranchers and League members, with Osterman's manipulative tactics causing conflict with Magnus's sense of honor.
Annixter
Annixter and Osterman are fellow ranchers and members of the League, with Osterman's scheming nature creating friction with Annixter's blunt honesty.
Magnus Derrick
Magnus Derrick and Osterman are fellow ranchers and League members, with Osterman's manipulative tactics causing conflict with Magnus's sense of honor.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Osterman in book i

In the story

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

Chapter III
Proposes the political scheme involving Disbrow to influence the Railroad Commission, and stays overnight at Los Muertos.
Chapter VI
Leads the call for immediate organization of the League, using dramatic rhetoric to rally the ranchers and nominating Magnus Derrick as leader.
Book II
Sends the telegram to Annixter warning of the railroad's intentions.
IV
Returns from the city, proposes a conference with railroad managers, and threatens Lyman during the meeting.
Chapter VI
Organizes the rabbit drive and barbecue; his usual jocular demeanor falters when confronted by Hilma's dignity.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Osterman unlock in the free preview.

See Osterman in book i