The Killers

Nick Adams serves as the main character in “The Killers” and reappears as a central figure in various literary works by Hemingway. He is frequently seen through a semi-autobiographical lens, as a character based on Hemingway’s personal life and experiences.

In “The Killers,” Nick is a young man with limited life experience, hailing from the small, Midwestern town of Summit. However, over the course of the narrative, Nick undergoes significant growth. This makes “The Killers” a classic coming-of-age tale, exploring the theme of Loss of Innocence. At the story’s outset, Nick is portrayed as meek, obediently following the killers’ orders. However, a turning point occurs once the killers leave and he decides to “go see” (50) Ole Andreson to warn him of the imminent danger. This choice showcases his courage and naivety, setting him apart from Sam, who instead distances himself from the unfolding events, telling Nick to “stay out of it” (50).

Nick’s inability to grasp Ole’s passive acceptance of his imminent death reflects his innocence and youthful ideals. During his visit to Ole, he tries to find solutions to the problem, until it becomes clear that Ole has embraced his fate and is unwilling to do anything about it.