At the Back of the North Wind · Character

Nanny

A ragged, sharp-tongued girl from the wretched streets who dreams her way into a moonlit garden and trades stories with Diamond about what dreams are worth.

supporting

Also known as Queen Anne

First appearance: Sal’s Nanny

As a supporting figure in At the Back of the North Wind, Nanny is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The little girl Diamond helps; she is a street sweeper who is skeptical of Diamond's story about North Wind.

In the storyIV: North WindOpen this moment free

See Nanny in IV: North Wind Book page

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Nanny is poor, unsentimental, and quick to call Diamond's head cracked, yet she tells him her dream of escaping the mud for a moonlit lawn with a frankness that matches his own. She insists her dreams are only dreams, while Diamond insists they are something more, and the argument between them is never quite settled. Her friendship gives Diamond a companion who sees the same world he does but refuses to believe in it, which sharpens the questions the story keeps asking about what is real.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Nanny sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Nanny in Sal’s Nanny

Character Web

13 connections

A slice of how Nanny sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Professional
Other

Character groups

Diamond's social circle
Protagonist

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Diamond’s i…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Diamond
family · positive
Nanny is Diamond's devoted nursemaid and later a beloved family member, caring for him… How this plays out →
Mr. Raymond
professional · positive
Diamond
family · positive
Nanny is Diamond's devoted nursemaid and later a beloved family member, caring for him… How this plays out →
Diamond
family · positive
Nanny is Diamond's devoted nursemaid and later a beloved family member, caring for him… How this plays out →
Mr. Raymond
professional · positive
Mr. Raymond
professional · positive

Diamond
Nanny is Diamond's devoted nursemaid and later a beloved family member, caring for him with gentle affection.
Mr. Raymond
Mr. Raymond employs Nanny as a servant in his household, treating her with respect.
Diamond
Nanny is Diamond's devoted nursemaid and later a beloved family member, caring for him with gentle affection.
Diamond
Nanny is Diamond's devoted nursemaid and later a beloved family member, caring for him with gentle affection.
Mr. Raymond
Mr. Raymond employs Nanny as a servant in his household, treating her with respect.
Mr. Raymond
Mr. Raymond employs Nanny as a servant in his household, treating her with respect.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Nanny in Sal’s Nanny

In the story

Nanny appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV: North Wind
The little girl Diamond helps; she is a street sweeper who is skeptical of Diamond's story about North Wind.
V: The Summerhouse
The crossing-sweeper girl who receives a penny from Diamond and suspects North Wind is his father's horse.
XIX: Diamond’s Friends
The crossing-sweeper girl who talks with Diamond and the gentleman, reveals her difficult home life with her grandmother and her care for cripple Jim.
Sal’s Nanny
Found ill and unconscious in Sal's cellar; later taken to the hospital.
Mr. Raymond’s Riddle
Mentioned in connection with the hospital where Mr. Raymond hopes she will go.
XXV: Diamond's Dream
Diamond wonders about Nanny's crossing and whether she will fight for it when she recovers.
Diamond Takes a Fare the Wrong Way Right
Mentioned at the end as the person Diamond goes to inquire about after his fortnight of cabbing.
XXVII: The Children’s Hospital
Now a patient in the hospital, transformed by illness and care into a gentle, refined girl.
XXIX: Ruby
Nanny is recovering at the hospital and is the subject of the plan to provide her a home and training.
XXX: Nanny's Dream
Recuperating in the hospital, she tells Diamond about her beautiful dream involving a ruby ring and a moonlit garden.
The North Wind Doth Blow
Recovers from illness, moves in with Diamond's family, learns household tasks and reading, helps with the new baby.
In the Country
Now healthy and managing the baby; skeptical about the country; attached to Jim; recognizes Mr. Raymond's wife as the lady who lent her the ruby ring.
XXXV: I Make Diamond’s Acquaintance
Approaches with Jim during the thunderstorm, calls Diamond a 'little silly,' and hugs him pityingly.
Diamond Questions North Wind
Teases Diamond about climbing the tree and about his belief in dreams, insisting that dreams aren't true.
At the Back of the North Wind
Mentioned as having called Diamond a silly along with Jim.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Nanny unlock in the free preview.

See Nanny in Sal’s Nanny

See Nanny in IV: North Wind