Nick's father

The father revels in the roles as doctor and father

Nick’s father in “Indian Camp” by Ernest Hemingway is a doctor, which is why he is called to the Indian camp. At the camp, he slips easily into an authoritative role: “Nick’s father ordered some water to be put on the stove.” (p. 13, l. 25). He expects the Native American residents to do as he says and does not waste any time explaining to them what is going to happen. 

During the labor, he seems to want to combine the roles of doctor and father as he is eager to include his son in what he is doing. (This forms a contrast to his lack of explanations to the Natives). Before and while he is operating, the father explains to Nick about labor and hygiene, and he makes Nick take part by holding a bassin. The father’s motive for doing so could be that he might be dreaming about his son becoming a d...