Poetry · Character

Old Nick

Good Old Nick himself, the devil who strolls through Bierce's verse with unsettling familiarity, treating sin as a gentleman's pastime.

supporting

Also known as Good Old Nick, Nick, sin Old Nick, Enter Old Nick

First appearance: poetry

As a supporting figure in Poetry, Old Nick is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Embodies the devilish influence in the proceedings, challenging divine order.

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In Shapes of Clay: Embodies the devilish influence in the proceedings, challenging divine order. Later, in Metempsychosis: The soul topped…

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Character Web

22 connections

A slice of how Old Nick sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Character groups

+17 more in the full Character Web

Story tension across the book.

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the speaker’s obsessive pursuit of the divine rose fragrance…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Old Nick appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Shapes of Clay
Embodies the devilish influence in the proceedings, challenging divine order.
Metempsychosis
The soul topped the neck of Nick the Weaver.
In High Life
Referenced as 'Sexton Beëlzebub', managing the floor at the wedding.
The Scrap Heap
A devilish figure involved in the infernal proceedings.
Foresight
Implied as the devil who tirelessly plans places to procure fuel for his fires.
Tidings of Good
Observes the world's inequity and declares his intention to set things right.
Mr. Sheets
Satan stands before Heaven's gate with a fraudulent ticket.
The Genesis of Crime
Satan brings Stoneman and later Opportunity to fulfill God's command to create Crime.
Rejected
Satan who rejects the coffin sent C.O.D.
The Two Cavees
Appears to retrieve his tar-stick, which Pickering had taken; withdraws in tears.
The Fiend's Delight
Appears as the devilish figure presiding over the torments in Hell.
Jerusalem, Old and New
Implied as the devil who still pitches the key, underscoring the persistence of sin.
CLXIII
Referenced as the devil in the chapter's proverb.

Chapter companion notes

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