# Osterman — The Octopus character guide

> Osterman in The Octopus by Frank Norris.

**Role:** supporting

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

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

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

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

_professional_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/magnus_derrick)

_professional_

Magnus Derrick and Osterman are fellow ranchers and League members, with Osterman's manipulative tactics causing conflict with Magnus's sense of honor.

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

_professional_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/magnus_derrick)

_professional_

Magnus Derrick and Osterman are fellow ranchers and League members, with Osterman's manipulative tactics causing conflict with Magnus's sense of honor.

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

_professional_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_octopus_se/characters/magnus_derrick)

_professional_

Magnus Derrick and Osterman are fellow ranchers and League members, with Osterman's manipulative tactics causing conflict with Magnus's sense of honor.

## In the story

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

Proposes the political scheme involving Disbrow to influence the Railroad Commission, and stays overnight at Los Muertos.

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

Sends the telegram to Annixter warning of the railroad's intentions.

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

Returns from the city, proposes a conference with railroad managers, and threatens Lyman during the meeting.

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

Organizes the rabbit drive and barbecue; his usual jocular demeanor falters when confronted by Hilma's dignity.

## Links

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