Parable of the Sower

by

Octavia E. Butler

Richard Moss is an African-American man who lives in Lauren’s neighborhood. He practices his own, deeply sexist religion—an amalgamation of traditional West African beliefs and Old Testament teachings. He works for a water company, which provides him enough income to have three wives, including Zahra (who was homeless when he “bought” her). Lauren sees his dead body during the neighborhood massacre.
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Richard Moss Character Timeline in Parable of the Sower

The timeline below shows where the character Richard Moss appears in Parable of the Sower. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4
Religion, Hope, and Change Theme Icon
Inclusion vs. Exclusion Theme Icon
...then Curtis and his brother Michael get into an argument with Peter Moss, whose father, Richard, is a “total shit” with three wives and a sexist attitude toward women. Richard practices... (full context)
Chapter 6
Creation, Destruction, and Rebirth Theme Icon
Writing, Books, and Scripture Theme Icon
...doesn’t mind as she has already made notes. A week later, thieves return to steal Richard Moss’s rabbits. The rabbits are housed in what was once a three-car garage built in... (full context)
Chapter 14
Inclusion vs. Exclusion Theme Icon
Creation, Destruction, and Rebirth Theme Icon
Writing, Books, and Scripture Theme Icon
...among her other items, which are stuffed inside a pillowcase. Leaving her house, Lauren sees Richard Moss lying dead and naked in a pool of blood. She sees other neighbors also... (full context)
Inclusion vs. Exclusion Theme Icon
Creation, Destruction, and Rebirth Theme Icon
Writing, Books, and Scripture Theme Icon
Someone calls Lauren’s name, and she turns around to see Zahra Moss, Richard’s youngest wife, and Harry Balter. They are clinging to each other and are both covered... (full context)
Chapter 15
Inclusion vs. Exclusion Theme Icon
Creation, Destruction, and Rebirth Theme Icon
Writing, Books, and Scripture Theme Icon
...Harry hadn’t really known each other before he saved her. Without thinking, Lauren mentions that Richard is dead, which she knows because she saw his body. Zahra breaks down again, and... (full context)
Chapter 16
Inclusion vs. Exclusion Theme Icon
Truth vs. Denial Theme Icon
Writing, Books, and Scripture Theme Icon
...asks Lauren to teach her to read and write, explaining that back in the neighborhood Richard didn’t allow her to learn. Lauren promises they can start lessons in the morning. They... (full context)