# Signa — O Pioneers! character guide

> Signa in O Pioneers! by Willa Cather.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** II Signa, Little Signa

**First appearance:** 0000-part-i-the-wild-land

## Snapshot

The Bergsons' Swedish hired girl, whose practical marriage to a grumpy suitor quietly illustrates the Divide's unromantic arithmetic.

## Who they are

Signa works in Alexandra's household and, when she marries Nelse, accepts two cows as a wedding gift and drives them home herself rather than leave them behind. Alexandra reads the match as typically Swedish — a cross man makes a good manager — while Marie finds it exasperating. Signa's small, sensible choice mirrors the larger question the novel keeps asking: what does love cost, and what will people trade for security?

## Relationships

### [Crazy Ivar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/o_pioneers_se/characters/crazy_ivar)

_professional_

Crazy Ivar and Signa are fellow servants on Alexandra's farm, working together harmoniously.

### [Crazy Ivar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/o_pioneers_se/characters/crazy_ivar)

_professional_

Crazy Ivar and Signa are fellow servants on Alexandra's farm, working together harmoniously.

## In the story

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/o_pioneers_se/chapters/ii)

The youngest kitchen girl, courted by Nelse Jensen; Alexandra is fond of her but keeps a sharp eye on her.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/o_pioneers_se/chapters/i)

Mentioned as being left in charge of the house; her wedding to Nelse Jensen is postponed until Emil's return.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/o_pioneers_se/chapters/ii)

Marries Nelse and leaves the wedding on foot leading a cow, showing her practical and obedient nature.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/o_pioneers_se/chapters/i)

Returns to care for Alexandra; she and Ivar search for Alexandra during a storm.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/o_pioneers_se/characters/signa
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/o_pioneers_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/o_pioneers_se/characters