Ethan Frome: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in Ethan Frome, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- Ethan FromeEthan is a poor farmer whose injuries and silence draw the narrator’s attention.First seen in chapter 1
- Unnamed narratorThe narrator gathers accounts of Ethan’s accident and pays him for sleigh rides.First seen in chapter 1
- Harmon GowHarmon tells the narrator about Ethan’s accident, poverty, and family responsibilities.First seen in chapter 1
- Mrs. Ned HaleMrs. Ned Hale shows distress and reluctance when discussing Ethan with the narrator.First seen in chapter 1
- MattieMattie lives in Ethan’s household and shares his delight in nature.First seen in chapter 2
- ZeenaEthan’s wife complains about Mattie and remarks on his changed appearance.First seen in chapter 2
- Denis EadyDenis dances with Mattie at the church basement dance, provoking Ethan’s jealousy.First seen in chapter 2
- Ruth VarnumRuth is a woman Ethan sees kissing Ned Hale near the church.First seen in chapter 5
- Ned HaleNed is a man Ethan encounters kissing Ruth Varnum near the church.First seen in chapter 5
- Chapter 1
The narrator hears accounts of Ethan’s accident and begins paying him for sleigh rides.
- Chapter 1
A snowstorm forces the narrator to shelter at Ethan’s farm.
- Chapter 2
Ethan secretly watches Mattie dance with Denis Eady and worries about her feelings.
- Chapter 3
Mattie refuses Denis Eady’s ride, and Ethan walks her home.
- Chapter 3
Mattie fears that Zeena wants her to leave, while Ethan takes comfort in her distress.
- Chapter 4
Zeena announces an overnight medical trip, and Ethan invents a financial excuse to avoid driving her.
- Chapter 5
Andrew Hale refuses Ethan’s request for an advance on his lumber.
- Chapter 5
The cat breaks Zeena’s treasured dish during supper, and Ethan hides the damage.
- Chapter 6
Ethan and Mattie spend a quiet evening together, but discussing Zeena exposes their anxiety.
- Chapter 7
Work and shopping delays keep Ethan from returning with glue before Zeena reaches home.
- Chapter 8
Zeena announces that she has hired household help and insists that Mattie must leave.
- Chapter 8
Ethan kisses Mattie and resists their separation, while Zeena discovers the broken dish.
- Chapter 9
Ethan begins planning an escape with Mattie, but debts and travel expenses defeat his hopes.
- Chapter 9
Ethan considers obtaining money from the Hales through deception, then turns home rather than carry out his plan.
- Chapter 10
Ethan drives Mattie away from the farm, and they admit their love.
- Chapter 10
Rather than separate, Ethan and Mattie aim their sled at an elm.
- Chapter 10
Both survive, and the narrator finds Mattie disabled and Zeena caring for them in a household marked by poverty and misery.
Hidden until you have read that far.
- Ethan’s farmEthan’s farm provides shelter for the narrator during a snowstorm.First seen in chapter 1
- Corbury FlatsCorbury Flats is the destination of Ethan’s paid drives for the narrator.First seen in chapter 1
- StarkfieldStarkfield is the snowy place Ethan walks through before watching the dance.First seen in chapter 2
- Church basementThe church basement holds the dance where Ethan watches Mattie with Denis Eady.First seen in chapter 2
- Corbury roadThe Corbury road has a dangerous elm beside a corner.First seen in chapter 6
- Shadow PondShadow Pond is a place where Ethan and Mattie recall a summer picnic.First seen in chapter 10
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