
The Expanse · Character
Bull
- Major
- First seen · Book 3 · Ch. 5
Bull is a major character in The Expanse (Book 3).
Which book are you on?
Everything after it stays hidden.
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 3 · Ch. 5
- Books
- 1
Description
A short human man with wide fingers and coarse-feeling hair. He wears gray-and-black service utility boots and, while on duty, a security uniform. His face has stubble when unshaven; his build and other facial features are not specified.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

Amos Burtonsecurity ally
Amos joins Bull and Holden in the effort to retake engineering and later helps defend the broadcast office.

Ashfordconflicting source relationships
Bull is the Behemoth’s security chief under Captain Ashford. Their authority conflicts over Bull’s extrajudicial killing of Alexi, though Ashford allows Bull to return to work under a new rule.

Clarissa Maocustodian
Bull is responsible for security and order aboard the Behemoth while Clarissa is imprisoned. He is willing to keep her confined but considers handing her to the UN for trial.

Frederick Lucius Johnsonconflicting source relationships
Bull has served in the Behemoth’s security leadership and reflects on Fred’s judgment of Ashford as captain. Before his apparent last stand, Bull asks Monica to tell Fred that he owes him.

James Holdenconflicting source relationships
Bull is security chief aboard the Behemoth. He assesses the Rocinante’s evidence and negotiates with Naomi to take custody of the civilians, hoping to reduce tensions and protect them.

Naomi Nagatacounterpart
As acting captain of the Rocinante and security chief of the Behemoth, they negotiate the transfer of the documentary civilians. Naomi agrees despite distrust of the OPA after its earlier attack.
- C
Corinconflicting source relationships
Corin serves on Bull’s security team and reports the takeover attempt to him. Bull trusts her judgment and directs her to gather reliable people and weapons.
- G
Gathonicolleague
Gathoni takes the next security shift and alerts Bull when the Seung Un explodes. Their calm, work-focused exchange reflects their shared responsibility for ship security.
- HC
Hector Cortezspiritual adviser
Cortez seeks Bull out to discuss protecting humanity from what he sees as evil, while Bull declines the conversation and redirects him to security.
- MP
Michio Pasubordinate
Bull is the Behemoth’s security chief and Pa is its executive officer. Their relationship is strained by Pa’s disciplinary actions against Sam and Bull, but Bull supports Pa when she recognizes the danger posed by Holden.
- MS
Monica Stuartcontact
Monica contacts Bull during the attack on the broadcast station to learn what is happening and whether the resistance can still stop Ashford. Bull gives her a grim account and asks her to pass a message to Fred.
- SR
Samantha Rosenbergconflicting source relationships
Bull directs ship operations and asks Sam to consider weaponizing the comm laser. Sam refuses on safety grounds, while also helping build the mobility mech that lets him leave his bed.
- S
Sergesubordinate
Serge works in Bull’s security unit and reports developments to him. Bull relies on Serge to mobilize security and coordinate preparations during the crisis.
- AV
The Martian sergeant and his squad fight alongside Bull’s force. Bull praises their work, while Verbinski’s training and tactical skill are central to the assault.
- CJ
Captain Jakandenegotiating counterpart
Bull negotiates with the Martian captain over her remaining crew and the custody of Holden. Their talks are constrained by military rules and the crisis.
- C
Cassally
Cass is a Martian marine who helps Bull’s group retreat through the airlock and elevator shaft after engineering is overrun.
- J
Juarezally
Juarez is a Martian marine sniper in Bull’s force. His accurate fire supports the assault and the retreat through the elevator shaft.
- MS
Mihn Sterlingpatient
Dr. Sterling explains Bull’s spinal injury and recommends a medical coma; Bull declines so he can remain on duty.
- SR
Samara Rosenbergally
Bull regards Sam as his best ally and feels guilty when he carries out Pa’s order to confine her. Sam is angry at his part in her humiliation but understands that refusing would have served Pa’s strategy.
- AM
Alexi Myerson-Freudenforcer
Bull confronts Alexi for dealing pixie dust to crew members and kills him by spacing him, intending to deter dangerous drug use aboard the Behemoth.
Story so far
BOOK 3Expanse 03 - Abaddon’s Gate
Quotes
It’s all the hope I got. You got nothing to hide, then show them that. Show everyone.
Book 3 · Expanse 03 - Abaddon’s Gate Nothing ever killed more people than being afraid to look like a sissy.
Book 3 · Expanse 03 - Abaddon’s Gate
Key events
- Book 3
Ch. 17Transit Through the RingMultiple fleets pursue Holden through the newly discovered Ring gate into the alien-controlled Slow Zone, triggering a catastrophic speed-limit event. - Book 3
Ch. 39Behemoth Mutiny and Laser CrisisCaptain Ashford seizes the Behemoth and attempts to destroy the Ring with its communications laser, believing it will protect humanity from alien threat.
Gallery
Book 3: Expanse 03 - Abaddon’s Gate
Appearances
Next stop
In Book 3
Places
Meet Bull in Bookworm
Meet Bull in your EPUB — spoiler-safe to the book you're on.





