Nick Adams

Nick Adams, the story’s main character, is probably a local of the town, as he is speaking to George when Al and Max come into the diner. This is confirmed later when we learn that he knows Ole Andreson (ll. 196-197).

The story does not contain any direct references to his outer characterisation. Note, however, that Nick Adams is a recurring character in Hemingway’s works, appearing in 24 of his stories. Starting with the story Indian Camp (1925), where Nick is a child, the stories feature Nick Adams in different periods of his life, creating a chronicle of his coming of age.

Inner characterisation

In “The Killers”, Nick Adams is a teenager or young adult. This is suggested by Sam when he protests against Nick’s decision to warn Ole Andreson about the killers looking for him: “ ‘Little boys always know what they want to do.’ ” (l. 204) Here, Sam is pointing out that Nick’s courage is part of his youthful, and in this case potentially dangerous naiveté or idealism. This contributes to Nick Adams’ inner characterisation.

Although the ending of the story shows him disturbed by the fact that Andreson is waiting to be killed (ll. 292-293), Nick is not particularly emotional throughout the story. He does not react negatively when he or George are taunt...