Herland · Character

Alima

A spirited Herland woman with a notebook and a firm lip, who marries Terry and refuses to soften for him.

supporting

As a supporting figure in Herland, Alima is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

One of the young women glimpsed in the trees; described as a 'peacherino' by Terry, she flees upward with the others.

In the storyII: Rash AdvancesOpen this moment free

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Alima interrogates the men about marriage and motherhood with a sharp, unembarrassed curiosity, triumphing when their evasions expose contradictions in their own society. She and Terry strike sparks from the start—madly drawn, constantly at war—and her refusal to submit is exactly what he cannot forgive. Their quarrel becomes the flashpoint that tests whether Herland's order can absorb a man who will not be taught.

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

See Alima in A Unique History

Character Web

7 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Herland's male explorers
Protagonist

+2 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of the conflict betw…

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Relationships

Terry O. Nicholson
romantic · negative
Alima is Terry's chosen partner, but their relationship is fraught with conflict due to… How this plays out →
Jeff Margrave
friendship · positive
Ellador
friendship · positive
Celis
friendship · ambivalent
Terry O. Nicholson
romantic · negative
Alima is Terry's chosen partner, but their relationship is fraught with conflict due to… How this plays out →
Celis
friendship · ambivalent
Terry O. Nicholson
romantic · negative
Alima is Terry's chosen partner, but their relationship is fraught with conflict due to… How this plays out →

Terry O. Nicholson
Alima is Terry's chosen partner, but their relationship is fraught with conflict due to Terry's domineering and possessive behavior.
Jeff Margrave
Alima and Jeff share a cordial friendship, with Jeff's gentle demeanor contrasting sharply with Terry's aggression.
Ellador
Alima and Ellador are close friends and fellow Herland women, though Alima's rebellious nature sometimes strains their bond.
Celis
Alima and Celis are childhood friends, but their paths diverge as Alima becomes more rebellious and Celis embraces Herland's norms.
Terry O. Nicholson
Alima is Terry's chosen partner, but their relationship is fraught with conflict due to Terry's domineering and possessive behavior.
Celis
Alima and Celis are childhood friends, but their paths diverge as Alima becomes more rebellious and Celis embraces Herland's norms.
Terry O. Nicholson
Alima is Terry's chosen partner, but their relationship is fraught with conflict due to Terry's domineering and possessive behavior.

Relationship notes

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

See Alima in A Unique History

In the story

Alima appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II: Rash Advances
One of the young women glimpsed in the trees; described as a 'peacherino' by Terry, she flees upward with the others.
A Peculiar Imprisonment
Mentioned by Terry as the girl he nearly caught, fueling his frustration.
Our Venture
Alima is mentioned as one of the women who recaptured the men, but she does not speak in this chapter.
A Unique History
Mentioned as one of the 'girls' the men are getting acquainted with during their months of study.
The Girls of Herland
Alima is the object of Terry's affections. She is keen, swift, and unimpressed by his flattery and advances. She repels his dashing attack and remains cold toward him for weeks.
IX: Our Relations and Theirs
Intermittently 'on' and 'off' with Terry; questions the role of women in the men's society; takes notes during discussions.
X: Their Religions and Our Marriages
Questions the concept of a wife belonging to a man and refuses to change her name.
Our Difficulties
Alima resists Terry's demands, asserting her independence; she becomes bitter after his assault, seeking protection from Moadine and a female assistant.
Expelled
Terry's wife who, along with other Herland women, physically overpowers him when he tries to assert dominance.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Alima in A Unique History

See Alima in II: Rash Advances