Character+List+and+Analysis

The Narrator - Nameless and with unspecified gender. He is forced to take refuge in Frome'e house due to a tremendous storm. In the house, the narrator begins to understand the tragedy of Ethan Frome. He then presents his interpretation of Frome's story.

Ethan Frome - Zeena's husband. Ethan very briefly pursued an education after high school, but illnesses in the family force him to return to his home form. He rashly marries Zeena out of gratitude because she helped him care for his mother. She soon becomes as sickly and bleak as his mother was before her death. The arrival of Zeena's cousin Mattie saves Ethan from the dreariness.

Zeena Frome - Ethan's silent and sickly wife. She is just seven years older than Ethan but is regarded as an old woman by the other characters. She develops a raging jealousy due to Ethan's friendship with her spritely cousin Mattie.

Mattie Silver - Zeena's cousin. She arrived as a maid in the Frome household. She brings youthful vigor back into the Frome farm with her lively nature. Ethan and Mattie develop mutual feelings for each other.

Mrs. Hale - Known widely as old Mrs. Ned Hale. She shares her home with the narrator. She is old friends with Mattie Silver and Ethan Frome.