| “ | Look... I need to know what I stand to win. | „ |
The Gas Station Proprietor is a minor character from the novel and film, No Country for Old Men. He was a humble man that worked in his gas station living a simple life, until he came into contact with the psychopathic Anton Chigurh.
Appearance[]
The Gas Station Proprietor is an older Caucasian man, with a short crop of black hair and blue eyes. His face is weary with many wrinkles around his mouth, eyes, and forehead. He wears a yellowish-brown flannel shirt that is supported with suspenders.
Personality[]
The Gas Station Proprietor is a modest and calm man, who despite his older age appears to be innocent to the dangers and unpredictability of the world around him. This unwariness is evident in his interactions with Anton Chigurh who spars with man’s more nonchalant and simplistic character.
The Gas Station Proprietor’s personality functions as a reflection of the cruel world depicted in the story, a world marked by violence, moral ambiguity, and a sense of inevitability. His presence features those themes by being an innocent person who is preyed upon by uncontrollable forces that destroy lives.
Story[]
Background[]
The man was born in the United States of America, within the state of Texas. He would later in his life marry a woman and raise their family in Temple, Texas. The father of his wife owned a gas station but became unsuitable for running it as he got too old. This man took over the business and became the new owner. He then moved from Temple to the north of Sheffield Texas so he could also start a home at the gas station.
No Country for Old Men[]
On a normal day like any other, the Gas Station Proprietor stands at the cash register casually writing a check when suddenly, Anton Chigurh walks up to him. Anton asks him how much money he has to pay for the gas and some cashews he got for himself. The Proprietor, however, asks Anton if he got any rain on his way here, as he notices that Anton came from the direction of Dallas. Anton rudely responds with; “What business is it of yours where I’m from, friendo.” The Proprietor is noticeably shocked by Anton’s reaction, saying that he didn’t mean anything wrong, saying, “If you don’t wanna accept that, I don’t know what else I can do for you.” But Chigurh keeps his eyes on him and continues to nonchalantly eat his cashews. The Proprietor asks Chigurh if he needs anything else, with Chigurh saying, “I don’t know, will there?” The Proprietor being confused with situation then asks Chigurh if there is some wrong with anything, but Chigurh mockingly replies stating, “Is that what you’re asking me? Is there something wrong with anything?” The Proprietor asks if he needs anything else, only for Chigurh to state that he already asked him that. The Proprietor, understanding that tensions are getting high, claims that he has to start closing the business for the day. Anton asks what time he closes, The Proprietor says right now, only for Anton to tell him that "now" is not a time and thus asks him again. The Proprietor responds that he closes at dark and looks out the window. Anton, clearly understanding that it isn't even close to dark yet, tells him that he doesn't know what he's talking about.