The Nickel Boys

by

Colson Whitehead

Trevor Nickel Character Analysis

Trevor Nickel is the man after whom Nickel Academy is named. In 1942, Nickel was made director of the school, which was at that time called the Florida Industrial School for Boys. Although Nickel had no previous experience as an educator or school director, he “made an impression at Klan meetings” by speaking effusively about “moral improvement” and the “value of work.” This earned him the position of director, which he used to abuse young boys both physically and sexually.
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Trevor Nickel Character Timeline in The Nickel Boys

The timeline below shows where the character Trevor Nickel appears in The Nickel Boys. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter Nine
History, Secrecy, and Racism Theme Icon
Civil Rights, Dignity, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
...against a white boy named Big Chet. The tradition of having boxing championships began when Trevor Nickel became the director of the school in 1942, when the institution was still called the... (full context)
History, Secrecy, and Racism Theme Icon
...of the boxing match. He explains that this practice used to be casual back when Trevor Nickel was in charge. These days the betting is a much more serious affair, though Harper... (full context)