George The manager of a diner in Summit, Illinois.
Nick Adams A young man about nineteen who tries to warn a boxer that is about to be shot by a couple of hired killers. When the boxer seems passively unconcerned about his own fate, Nick leaves town because he can't stand to think about a man who succumbs so easily to the threat of death.
Sam The Black cook at the diner.
Al One of the hired killers; he wears a black overcoat, silk muffler, gloves, and a derby hat. Al ties up Nick and Sam.
Max The other hired killer. He too wears a too-tight black topcoat and a derby hat. According to Al, Max talks too much, revealing their plans to kill Ole Andreson.
Ole Andreson A boxer who has probably double-crossed someone, and this someone has, in turn, hired Al and Max to kill Ole.
Mrs. Bell The landlady who manages Hirsch's Rooming House.
