Nick Charles, played by William Powell

Description

Nick is a former detective, well respected by both criminals and law enforcement, who is now living the free and easy life with his newlywed heiress wife, Nora. Nick drinks a great deal, almost to the point of being a friendly, functional alcoholic. Even so, he also manages to be the hero of the film. Nick has considerable skills of perception and is extremely intelligent, two qualities that make him an exceptional investigator. In his first screen appearance, Nick is characteristically dancing to his own beat as he shows members of a bar staff how to make perfect martinis. As the lives of others unravel around him, Nick does not let it destroy his hedonistic lifestyle one bit.

Even after a fight for his life with a dangerous criminal, Nick cheerfully voices a witty remark while reaching for a stiff drink. His...