# Ethan Frome — Character guide

> Key figures in Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton.

- [Ethan Frome](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/ethan_frome.md): A silent, brooding farmer trapped in a loveless marriage in Starkfield.
- [Mattie Silver](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/mattie_silver.md): Ethan's wife's young cousin who comes to live with them, stirring deep emotions.
- [Zeena Frome](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/zeena_frome.md): Ethan's hypochondriac and controlling wife, whose illness dominates the household.
- [Denis Eady](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/denis_eady.md): A young man from a wealthy family who courts Mattie Silver.
- [Mrs. Ned Hale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/mrs_ned_hale.md): A neighbor and friend who observes the Fromes' tragic story.
- [Andrew Hale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/andrew_hale.md): A local builder and employer of Ethan Frome.
- [Harmon Gow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/harmon_gow.md): A Starkfield resident who shares local gossip with the narrator.
- [Aunt Martha Pierce](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/aunt_martha_pierce.md): Mattie Silver's aunt who takes her in after the tragedy.
- [Ruth Varnum](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/ruth_varnum.md): A young woman from Starkfield, briefly mentioned in social contexts.
- [Dr. Buck](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/dr_buck.md): The local doctor who attends to Zeena Frome.
- [Michael Eady](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/michael_eady.md): Denis Eady's father, a wealthy Irish immigrant storekeeper.
- [Dan'l Byrne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/danl_byrne.md): A local man who helps with the Fromes' farm work.
- [Puss](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters/puss.md): The Fromes' cat, a minor presence in the household.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ethan_frome_se/characters