Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Dick Hickock

Dick's a pederast, a dog killer, a habitual criminal, and totally heartless ex-con. The robbery and murder of the Clutter family is his idea. Although Dick doesn't do any of the actual killing, he's the one who places Perry's hands on the murder weapons. It's his "score." He's a perfect villain—a true sociopathic killer, evil personified. He has no emotional attachments to anyone, and we return the favor by wishing him all the worst.