Moving the Mountain · Character

Nellie Robertson

The brisk, unflappable sister who finds her long-lost brother on a Tibetan plateau and must gently re-teach him the world he left behind.

major

Also known as Ellen, Ellen Robertson, Nell

First appearance: moving the mountain

As a major figure in Moving the Mountain, Nellie Robertson is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

John's sister, who found him in Tibet and is now guiding his re-education.

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With Brother John (romantic): Brother John and Nellie share a deep, intimate bond, likely a romantic relationship or strong mutual affection. With Owen (friendship): Nellie and Owen are friends or allies, possibly with…

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Character Web

16 connections

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Relationship types

Romantic
Friendship
Family
Social
Other

Character groups

Protagonist
Core family circle
Extended relatives and acquaintances

+11 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

The narrator’s emotional peak occurs as he fully detaches from external guidance—his sister, family, and speci…

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Relationships

Brother John
romantic · positive
Brother John and Nellie share a deep, intimate bond, likely a romantic relationship or… How this plays out →
Owen
friendship · positive
Uncle Jake
family · positive
Mrs. Talbot
social · positive
Cousin John
family · ambivalent
Aunt Dorcas
family · positive
Brother John
romantic · positive
Brother John and Nellie share a deep, intimate bond, likely a romantic relationship or… How this plays out →
Brother John
romantic · positive
Brother John and Nellie share a deep, intimate bond, likely a romantic relationship or… How this plays out →
Aunt Dorcas
family · positive
Uncle Jake
family · positive
Cousin John
family · ambivalent
Mrs. Talbot
social · positive

Brother John
Brother John and Nellie share a deep, intimate bond, likely a romantic relationship or strong mutual affection.
Owen
Nellie and Owen are friends or allies, possibly with Owen supporting Nellie's interests.
Uncle Jake
Nellie and Uncle Jake are family, possibly with Uncle Jake as an elder or guardian, and Nellie as a younger relative.
Mrs. Talbot
Mrs. Talbot and Nellie are acquaintances, possibly with a social or community connection.
Cousin John
Cousin John and Nellie are relatives, with a familial bond and possibly some romantic undertones.
Aunt Dorcas
Aunt Dorcas and Nellie are family, with Aunt Dorcas possibly acting as a maternal figure or caretaker.
Brother John
Brother John and Nellie share a deep, intimate bond, likely a romantic relationship or strong mutual affection.
Brother John
Brother John and Nellie share a deep, intimate bond, likely a romantic relationship or strong mutual affection.
Aunt Dorcas
Aunt Dorcas and Nellie are family, with Aunt Dorcas possibly acting as a maternal figure or caretaker.
Uncle Jake
Nellie and Uncle Jake are family, possibly with Uncle Jake as an elder or guardian, and Nellie as a younger relative.
Cousin John
Cousin John and Nellie are relatives, with a familial bond and possibly some romantic undertones.
Mrs. Talbot
Mrs. Talbot and Nellie are acquaintances, possibly with a social or community connection.

Relationship notes

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

See Nellie Robertson in moving the mountain

In the story

Nellie Robertson appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
John's sister, who found him in Tibet and is now guiding his re-education.
II
Attempts to explain the new world to John, describing a new religion of 'living' and a world that has 'come alive.' She is patient but firm in her explanations.
Chapter III: The New World Unveiled
Reveals her marriage and family; explains the new social order.
Chapter IV
Playfully scolds John for his outdated views and proudly explains the new economic system and the role of women in the food business.
VI
John's sister, who helps explain the new concepts and shows patience, though at times becomes slightly impatient with John's slow comprehension.
VII
John's sister, who explains the new social and economic systems, including residence groups and the treatment of animals.
Chapter IX: The New Education and Child-Culture
Explains the principles of the new child-culture and education, showing pride in the system.
The New Education and the Arts
Explains the change in women's roles and the resulting societal progress.
Chapter XI
Provides John with background information on Frank and his wife, confirming their social acceptance and the nature of their relationship.
XII
Mentions she is about to resume her college position and encourages John to take a full year before settling on work.

Chapter companion notes

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