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This page is for the book character. For the 2019 TV series character, see Ned Nickerson (2019 character). For video game character, see Ned Nickerson (video game character).

Edward Coleman "Ned" Nickerson is a fictional character in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series. Ned is often referred to as Nancy Drew's boyfriend. He first appears in The Clue in the Diary, the seventh volume in the series.

Background[]

In earlier stories outlined by Edward Stratemeyer, Nancy is portrayed as a single woman with one friend, Helen Corning. However, Stratemeyer died shortly after outlining the fourth volume of the series, The Mystery at Lilac Inn. Following his death, his daughters Harriet and Edna tried to sell the Stratemeyer Syndicate, but were unsuccessful in finding a buyer.

After deciding to continue the company themselves, the sisters introduced two new elements to the series: new friends for Nancy, in the form of Bess Marvin and George Fayne; and a new love interest, named "Ned" after their father.

Description[]

In all his appearances, Ned is generally described as a handsome and athletic young man who stands six feet and two inches tall, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He is a student athlete at the nearby Emerson College, and is described as a sophomore, making him around 20 years old.

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories[]

Ned is introduced in The Clue in the Diary as a sophomore at Emerson College. Aside from being a good student, Ned also plays for three of his school's varsity teams - basketball, baseball, and football. He is also a member of the Omega Chi Epsilon Fraternity. His best friends include Burt Eddleton and Dave Evans, who are also students at Emerson.

Ned frequently sells insurance during the summer, although he has also taken a variety of other jobs, especially in post-Stratemeyer series. Ned lives with his parents James and Edith in the town of Mapleton, which is near River Heights.

1932-79[]

The name "Ned" first appears in the original text of The Secret at Shadow Ranch, where he is described as being in Europe. This is often seen as a fluke, since his character had not yet been introduced, nor was there mention of whom he was.

Upon his introduction, Nancy mistakes Ned for a car thief, and does not trust him until he proves himself otherwise. Following this, they put their differences aside and become steady partners. However, despite attending dances and other romantic activities, commitment between them is never explicitly stated; Ned is often described as Nancy's "special friend." Ned evidently admires and cares for Nancy, as he often expresses his concern for her safety throughout the series. He will often assist Nancy in her cases whenever he is around, which sometimes involves the two traveling together.

1979-2003[]

After switching publishers, Ned is now described explicitly as Nancy's boyfriend. His friends Burt and Dave gradually depart from the series, never making an appearance after the series came under the creative control of Simon & Schuster.

Nancy Drew Files (1986-97)[]

A spin-off of the original series, aimed at more mature audiences. Ned is presented as Nancy's boyfriend in this series as well. The only detail change in their relationship background is that it is mentioned that they have been dating since high school. As the series begins, they have evidently been together for some time.

Since the series is targeted at an older audience, there are mentions of physical and emotional intimacy that are not present in iterations of the original series, even those published concurrently to the Files series. Ned is often jealous and controlling of Nancy in regards to her relationships with other men, while also sometimes being discouraging of her cases. Nancy also has several infidelities, often with suspects in the investigation; she has also taken love interests when in locations without Ned. These traits, as well as Nancy's apparent lack of time to spend with Ned because of her cases, are the main causes of their relationship drama.

Their relationship has several peaks and valleys, ranging from bitter breakups like in Two Points to Murder to Ned proposing marriage to Nancy in Till Death Do Us Part (so far the only time in canon that the subject has been approached). There are several stretches where the two have a happy, healthy relationship that include them addressing their issues as a couple without drama. When the series was cancelled in late 1997, their relationship was going strong.

Nancy Drew, Girl Detective and Nancy Drew Diaries (2004-present)[]

Ned now lives in River Heights with his parents, who own the River Heights Bugle. He and Nancy met in junior high school, having their first date at the Mahoney Library under the old clock. Ned is still a college student, but often works as a junior reporter for the Bugle.

Some of the early titles in the Nancy Drew Diaries continue these details, but were dropped soon after. A new element introduced is that Ned has his own podcast, NedTalks.

Other series[]

Since most series lore has Nancy and Ned meeting during their late teens, Ned is almost always absent from series aimed at younger children. The only exception so far is The Lost Locket in the Nancy Drew Notebooks, in which a 9-year-old Ned appeared.

Ned is also mostly absent from the Nancy Drew on Campus series. The first book, New Lives, New Loves, called for readers to dial in an 800 number to decide whether or not Ned should be kept as Nancy's boyfriend. Apparently, the readers answered in the negative, as the following books featured Nancy with a new boyfriend, Jake. In one of the later books, Ned reappears dating Bess Marvin, one of Nancy's best friends. However, their relationship does not work out.

Adaptions[]

Nancy Drew PC Games[]

Main article: Ned Nickerson (video game character)

In the Nancy Drew games presented by Her Interactive, Ned can be called and can give hints. A nice twist in the game shows the caring relationship between Nancy and Ned through their conversations. Ned supports Nancy, even though he doesn't approve of her fearlessness in life-threatening situations.

Gallery[]

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