Emily of New Moon · Character

Ellen Greene

Blunt, superstitious housekeeper who tends Emily's dying father and lectures the grieving child on propriety and gratitude.

supporting

Also known as Ellen, Greene, Helena

First appearance: The House in the Hollow

As a supporting figure in Emily of New Moon, Ellen Greene is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The household helper who is disturbed about something and ultimately reveals Douglas's impending death.

In the storyThe House in the HollowOpen this moment free

See Ellen Greene in The House in the Hollow Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

With Emily Byrd Starr (professional): Ellen is the Murrays' sharp-tongued housekeeper who often scolds Emily but also protects her in her own gruff way. With Emily Byrd Starr (professional): Ellen is the Murrays' sharp-tongued housekeeper who often scolds Emily but also protects her in her own gruff way. With Emily Byrd Starr (professional): Ellen is the Murrays' sharp-tongued housekeeper who often scolds Emily but also protects her in her own gruff way.

Continue beside the text

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

See Ellen Greene in The House in the Hollow

Character Web

16 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

New Moon Household
Extended Village and Family
Burnley Family Tragedy
Shrewsbury School Antagonists

+11 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this chapter, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Aunt Elizabeth discovers Emily’s secret writ…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Emily Byrd Starr
professional · ambivalent
Ellen is the Murrays' sharp-tongued housekeeper who often scolds Emily but also protects… How this plays out →
Emily Byrd Starr
professional · ambivalent
Ellen is the Murrays' sharp-tongued housekeeper who often scolds Emily but also protects… How this plays out →
Emily Byrd Starr
professional · ambivalent
Ellen is the Murrays' sharp-tongued housekeeper who often scolds Emily but also protects… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Ellen Greene in The House in the Hollow

In the story

Ellen Greene appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The House in the Hollow
The household helper who is disturbed about something and ultimately reveals Douglas's impending death.
A Watch in the Night
Ellen Greene is criticized by Douglas for telling Emily about his death in a brutal manner; he calls her 'old absurdity' and 'hen-brained.'
A Hop Out of Kin
Manages Emily after Douglas's death, criticizes her behavior, and speculates about the Murrays' plans for her.
IV: A Family Conclave
Tidies up after the funeral and sends Emily upstairs before the family discussion.
Diamond Cut Diamond
Ellen Greene bids Emily a tearful goodbye, hugging her and calling her 'my blessed child,' though Emily remains indifferent and more concerned about her cat Mike.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Ellen Greene in The House in the Hollow