While go through a lot of change. However, each character also had several core traits that remained constant throughout the series.
One character who went through several shifts was Nick Miller. Though he starts out as a cranky bartender, he ends up becoming a successful author. We're here to focus on all the ways Nick developed over time as well as the parts of him that never changed.
Stayed The Same: He Was Stubborn
Nick is the most stubborn character in New Girl. When he wants something to be done his way, he’s going to do it his way, regardless of whether or not it will work.
This is why he often resorted to fixing things around the loft himself (even though he was terrible at it). He also had difficulties adapting to change, though, at times, he overcame his headstrong personality.
Changed: He Got Over Caroline
Though Nick originally has problems moving on due to his unresolved feelings, he eventually learns to get over his ex-girlfriend Caroline.
Caroline frequently dragged Nick behind her, using him after they had broken up but still failing to commit. This was unfair to Nick who wanted a genuine relationship with her. Thankfully, in the Season 1 finale, he chooses to stay in the loft instead of move in with Caroline. From this point forward he decides to freely explore the dating pool.
Stayed The Same: He Cared About His Friends
Though Nick isn't always kind to his friends, he always realizes their importance by the end.
His genuine devotion to his loftmates can at first be seen in the pilot when he tries to cheer up Jess fresh out of a painful breakup. Other examples of his care come in Season 3 when he tries to help Jess fit in at her new job and in Season 4 when he acts as the gang’s secretary. He was always there to have a good time with his pals and ensure his friends were doing well.
Changed: He Lost His Bachelor Status
Though it took a whole seven seasons for Nick Miller to put a ring on it, he decides to marry Jess in the final season of New Girl. This came after many failed relationships including a few poor attempts at dating Jess herself.
Though Jess and Nick’s wedding is untraditional (they get married in a hospital waiting area), it’s nice to see Nick finally commit to someone, especially since he struggles to face his true emotions throughout the series.
Stayed The Same: He Struggled To it His Feelings
As previously mentioned, Nick frequently expresses his general disdain for the world, but when it came to the deeper things, he pushes away. This at times manifests through his issues communicating with Jess throughout their early relationship. However, even after it becomes solid following the Season 6 finale, he is still scared to make things official and get engaged.
Though Nick asks Jess’s father for her hand in marriage, he doesn’t propose for six months even though he had several opportunities while on a tour of Europe. Why can’t he take those walls down?
Changed: He Became A Published Author
The reason Nick and Jess were in Europe in the first place was that he was promoting his book series, The Pepperwood Chronicles.
Though Nick starts out as a bartender, as previously mentioned, he ends up pursuing his writing dreams and publishing a novel that follows Detective Julius Pepperwood as he solves crimes in New Orleans. This is a big feat for him, especially considering that his first book, Z is for Zombie, had the word “rhythm” misspelled 38 times.
He Stayed The Same: He Didn’t Care What People Thought
Nick is fearlessly himself. And while he doesn’t always find himself to be the most exciting, he is open about his quirks and beliefs.
Nick thinks horses are from outer space, dinosaurs are a myth, the moon landing was fake, towels don’t need to be washed, blueberries are scary, and fish can’t be trusted. While his roommates frequently found these confessions strange, they didn’t judge him, at least not on the outside.
Changed: He Got His Life Together
Though Nick didn’t shed every negative trait, he did end up maturing (very slowly) over the course of the series. Early Nick Miller doesn’t have a bank and is all-around terrible with money. He also doesn’t eat vegetables and doesn't take care of himself well.
In Season 2, he becomes interested in his new boss and starts eating salads and doing his laundry. Though this upward trend doesn’t stick permanently, he shows many later moments of maturity as he figures out how to partake in self-care.
Stayed The Same: He Was Sarcastic
Nick is weird at times. But realistically, he’s the most “normal” character in the loft. He contrasts Schmidt’s high-strung personality and Jess’s bubbly one with a heavy dose of sarcasm.
Nick said things like they were and didn’t bounce around the problems to avoid hurting people. He’s upfront and he’s honest. In fact, he has to be the last of these things, otherwise, his back starts to uncontrollably sweat.
Changed: He Stopped Being Insecure About His Masculinity
Nick is a guy’s guy, and there’s nothing wrong with liking traditionally masculine things. However, there is a problem with idolizing them and being unwilling to it one’s true interests if they don’t fit into a very specific bubble.
Nick struggles to get in touch with his more feminine emotions. His shell starts to crack when he realizes his man-crush on Russell. His insecurities fade once and for all in the series finale when he its to Schmidt that he loves him. As a symbol of this ission, Nick decides to use the foot cream his best bud had been buying him for many years.