Ethan Frome

Mattie Silver

Ethan is deeply in love with Mattie, experiencing intense romantic longing and a desperate desire to escape with her.

Zeena Frome

Ethan is trapped in a cold, loveless marriage with Zeena, feeling duty-bound but resentful and emotionally estranged.

Mrs. Ned Hale

Ethan has a distant, respectful acquaintance with Mrs. Ned Hale, who observes his tragic story from the outside.

Jotham Powell

Jotham is Ethan's hired farmhand, a silent and dutiful worker who helps with chores but remains emotionally detached.

Denis Eady

Denis Eady, a young suitor, competes with Ethan for Mattie's attention, representing a more carefree and socially acceptable option.

Harmon Gow

Harmon Gow is a local gossip and acquaintance who provides background information about Ethan's tragic life.

Dr. Buck

Dr. Buck is the local physician who treats Ethan and his family, serving as a medical authority in their isolated lives.

Ruth Varnum

Ruth Varnum is a minor acquaintance from the local community, part of the social fabric of Starkfield.

Michael Eady

Ethan has a casual, transactional relationship with Michael Eady, the town grocer.

Puss

Puss is the Frome family cat, a silent companion in the household, often associated with Zeena's domain.

Andrew Hale

Andrew Hale is a sympathetic local builder who offers Ethan credit and kindness, though ultimately unable to save him.

Mattie Silver

Ethan is deeply in love with Mattie, experiencing intense romantic longing and a desperate desire to escape with her.

Ethan Frome

Introduced as a crippled, silent man with a tragic past, observed by the narrator in Starkfield.

Prologue

First seen as a 'ruin of a man,' lame and grizzled, driving his bay to the post-office. The narrator notes his silent, melancholy demeanor and his buried intellectual curiosity, revealed when he asks about a science book.

I

Walks through Starkfield to the church dance, recalling his past studies and his communion with Mattie; feels jealousy watching her dance with Denis Eady.

II

Hides behind the storm-door, watches Mattie, walks home with her, and faces Zeena's displeasure upon returning.

III

Ethan works in the wood-lot, thinks about Mattie, and feels relief at Zeena's departure.

IV

Ethan looks forward to an evening alone with Mattie, reflecting on his marriage and his mother's decline.

V

Ethan experiences a dreamlike evening with Mattie, feeling warmth and harmony, but is haunted by the thought of Zeena's return.

VI

Struggles to hide his joy after the evening with Mattie; attempts to orchestrate errands to buy glue for the pickle dish but is thwarted by delays.

VII

Ethan confronts Zeena about the hired girl and the cost, lies about the lumber payment, and is horrified when Zeena announces Mattie must leave.

VIII

Ethan struggles with rebellion and despair as he faces Mattie's banishment, attempts to borrow money from Hale, and considers fleeing with Mattie.

IX

Ethan is tormented by his inability to keep Mattie, expressing his love and desperation. He insists on driving her to the station and takes her on a sled ride.

Epilogue

Ethan is present in the kitchen, his face described as heartbreaking when the two women argue; he has been broken by the years of suffering.