Nick Adams

A patron of the lunchroom who gets caught up in the murder attempt. Nick is a young man of action and the protagonist of the story.

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George

The manager of Henry’s lunchroom. George is a “bright” man who must contend with the killers when they enter his restaurant.

Al

One of the killers, a sharp and violent man. Al is one of the antagonists of the story.

Max

One of the killers, a talkative man. Max seems to like George, and he is one of the antagonists of the story.

Ole Andreson

A Swedish former prize-fighting boxer whom the killers have targeted. It is implied that Ole is involved with organized crime.

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Sam

A cook who works at the diner and gets caught up in the murder attempt. He doesn’t want to get involved in a dangerous situation.

Mrs. Bell

The manager of Hirsch’s rooming house. She is a nice woman who thinks highly of Ole.