Ephraim Tellwright

Anna Tellwright

Ephraim is Anna's miserly and domineering father, whose coldness and financial control create a tense, oppressive relationship.

Henry Mynors

Ephraim respects Henry as a shrewd businessman and approves of him as a son-in-law, viewing the match as financially sound.

Willie Price

Ephraim is a creditor to Willie's failing pottery business, treating him with cold financial ruthlessness.

Agnes Tellwright

Agnes is Ephraim's younger daughter, living under his strict and unaffectionate rule, though she is less directly oppressed than Anna.

Mr. Sutton

Ephraim and Mr. Sutton are fellow businessmen and chapel members, interacting with mutual respect but little warmth.

Willie Price

Ephraim is a creditor to Willie's failing pottery business, treating him with cold financial ruthlessness.

Anna Tellwright

Ephraim is Anna's miserly and domineering father, whose coldness and financial control create a tense, oppressive relationship.

Anna Tellwright

Ephraim is Anna's miserly and domineering father, whose coldness and financial control create a tense, oppressive relationship.

Henry Mynors

Ephraim respects Henry as a shrewd businessman and approves of him as a son-in-law, viewing the match as financially sound.

Mr. Sutton

Ephraim and Mr. Sutton are fellow businessmen and chapel members, interacting with mutual respect but little warmth.

Willie Price

Ephraim is a creditor to Willie's failing pottery business, treating him with cold financial ruthlessness.

Henry Mynors

Ephraim respects Henry as a shrewd businessman and approves of him as a son-in-law, viewing the match as financially sound.

Anna of the Five Towns

Anna's domineering father, whose tyranny over her finances and life is a central force in the chapter.

II: The Miser’s Daughter

Ephraim is portrayed as a miserly, wealthy, and enigmatic figure whose life story—from his early accumulation of wealth to his withdrawal from Methodism—is recounted in detail.

III: The Birthday

Transfers control of Anna's inheritance to her; instructs her to collect rent from Titus Price; displays a mix of sternness and grudging respect for her new role.

IV: A Visit

Interrogates Anna about the money from Price, takes her bank books, and receives Mynors at home for supper.

V: The Revival

Examines Mynors' financial documents and approves the investment, instructing Anna to convey his message.

VI: Willie

Ephraim pressures Anna to handle Willie Price's visit, revealing his plan to force Titus Price into bankruptcy. He is angry about the forgotten bacon.

VII: The Sewing Meeting

Receives the invitation note, shows gruff indifference to Anna's dilemma, and is seen at the far end of the garden during Mynors' visit.

On the Bank

Ephraim supervises Anna's financial affairs, draws up the partnership deed, and returns from Axe in a bad temper, rebuking Anna for being out.

IX: The Treat

Depicted as a natural house-tyrant, instinctive and unreflective; grudgingly consents to Anna's trip; outwitted into pledging £25 to the building fund; gives Anna a florin for treat tickets.

X: The Isle

Ephraim reluctantly consents to Anna's holiday after she secretly uses a money order, and he gives a grudging official sanction at the departure.

XI: The Downfall

Ephraim reacts to the suicide with cold pragmatism, noting suicide runs in Price's blood. He also makes cynical remarks about Mynors marrying Anna for her money.

At the Priory

Ephraim's anger reaches a new peak, but his power over Anna is diminished as she realizes she can survive his fury.

XIII: The Bazaar

Refuses Anna's request for £100, then angrily gives her the bankbooks and wash his hands of her money; continues to hold Anna's securities.