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Manhattan Transfer · Character

Ruth Prynne

A naive young woman from upstate who becomes involved with Bud.

minor

Also known as Ruth, Ruth Prynne, Miss Prynne

First appearance: section i

Ruth Prynne's tie to Jimmy Herf is one of the pressures that moves Manhattan Transfer—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

A struggling actress living in a boarding house; Jimmy's friend.
In the storyI: Great Lady on a White HorseOpen this moment free

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

With Jimmy Herf (romantic): A brief, intense romance that ends when Ruth chooses a conventional marriage over Jimmy's bohemian lifestyle. With Jimmy Herf (romantic): A brief, intense romance that ends when Ruth chooses…

Continue beside the text

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

See Ruth Prynne in section i

Character Web

33 connections

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

JHJimmy HerfETEllen ThatcherETEd ThatcherCWCassandra Wilk…EOElaine Ogletho…RPRuth Prynne

Relationship types

  • Romantic
  • Other

Character groups

  • Elite social climbers
  • Protagonist

+28 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when Ellen, confronted with the word "Sarajevo" and the impending…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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

See Ruth Prynne in section i

In the story

Ruth Prynne appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Ruth Prynne in section i