# Jack Ellyat — John Brown’s Body character guide

> Jack Ellyat in John Brown’s Body by Stephen Vincent Benét.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Ellyat, Johnny

**First appearance:** 0005-book-i

## Who they are

A Connecticut farm boy turned Union soldier who carries the muddy, homesick tune of a divided country into Grant's army and beyond.

## Relationships

### [Melora Vilas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters/melora_vilas)

_romantic_

Jack Ellyat and Melora Vilas are lovers, their relationship marked by passion and the turmoil of war.

### [Ned](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters/ned)

_friendship_

Jack Ellyat and Ned are comrades, their friendship forged through shared experiences and mutual aid.

### [John Brown](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters/john_brown)

_psychological_

Jack Ellyat is deeply influenced and obsessed by John Brown's revolutionary ideals and charismatic leadership.

### [Elspeth Mackay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters/elspeth_mackay)

_friendship_

Elspeth Mackay and Jack Ellyat are friends, with Elspeth offering kindness and support to Jack during his trials.

### [Melora Vilas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters/melora_vilas)

_romantic_

Jack Ellyat and Melora Vilas are lovers, their relationship marked by passion and the turmoil of war.

### [John Brown](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters/john_brown)

_psychological_

Jack Ellyat is deeply influenced and obsessed by John Brown's revolutionary ideals and charismatic leadership.

### [Ned](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters/ned)

_friendship_

Jack Ellyat and Ned are comrades, their friendship forged through shared experiences and mutual aid.

## In the story

### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/chapters/book-iii)

Feels alienated among Western soldiers, mocked as 'Bull Run Jack,' and attempts escape after a defeat.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters/jack_ellyat
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/john_brown_s_body_se/characters