Nicholas Zimmer

"Ready to go, Ava?"

- Nicholas's only line

Nicholas Zimmer is a character on ABC's Once Upon a Time. He débuts, with his only appearance, in the ninth episode of the first season. He is portrayed by guest star Quinn Lord, and is the Storybrooke counterpart of Hansel.

During the Curse
Twelve year old Nicholas and Ava attempt to steal food by putting it into Henry Mills' backpack, and frame him for it when they are caught. Sheriff Swan takes the children to what they claim is their house. However, as Emma starts to go in, Ava says that her parents would be too embarrassed if she comes in. Emma tells them that she can tell when someone is lying and Ava sticks by her story.

Seemingly satisfied, Emma watches them go to the doorstep and then drives away. Once she is gone, the children run from the house and take the back alleyway to an abandoned house. They hear someone moving upstairs and go up to investigate, and find Emma waiting for them. She asks where their parents are and Ava admits that they do not have any.

Emma then goes on to look for their parents. She learns their mother, Dory, passed away some time ago. Her only clue is a trinket Dory used to keep, and she goes to Mr. Gold to ask him if someone in town purchased the item in his shop before. Mr. Gold is able to give her the name of the man, Michael Tillman, a local mechanic. He denies the children are his, but recognizes an item Emma shows him, which is something he gave to Dory a long time ago. He wants nothing to do with his kids, especially since he was unaware of their existence until now, and cannot accept the responsibility. Ava and Nicholas are supposed to be taken to Boston to be put into foster care if their father continues to reject them. As they leave, Emma Swan's car breaks down and she calls Tillman.

Ava notices that her compass needle is moving. Tillman arrives in his tow truck and realizes that the children are his. He thinks for a moment and agrees with Emma, and then goes to his children.

Trivia

 * The name "Nicholas" is of Greek origin derived from the name "Nikolaos" that means "people of victory".
 * The surname "Zimmer" is of Germanic origin derived from an occupational word for a kind of work done by the original bearer of the name.
 * Nicholas and Ava are twins.