Baxter Martin is a minor character in "The Lottery." His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Martin, and we know that the family must hold some sort of authority in town. It seems likely that they must also be highly trusted based on the role of Mr. Martin and Baxter play during the lottery. Their family runs the town grocery store, which is likely one of the largest businesses in town.

Baxter Martin stands with his father during the lottery, making sure the box is held steady while Mr. Summers stirs the papers. His younger brother, Bobby, has already filled his pockets with stones in anticipation of the upcoming stoning.

Baxter Martin can therefore be seen as a representative of the next generation of townspeople who will continue the lottery. He and his family seem to hold the power and respect of the town, and the youngest Martins stand ready and eager to follow in the traditions of their town. Though shocking to readers, none of the children seem horrified by the brutality of the lottery, treating it with mild indifference or even excitement. Baxter isn't seen reacting emotionally to any of the proceedings, not even to Tessie Hutchinson's pleas for her life. Seemingly stoic, Baxter's behavior indicates the willingness of the next generation to continue on with the town's brutal tradition.