Short Fiction · Character

Downie

A city-raised girl who discovers, on her uncle's farm, that she is a country lass at heart—and that being laughed at is not the same as being unloved.

supporting

Also known as Sweet little Downie, little Downie, Miss Downie

First appearance: Downie

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

Edith Halfvorson, terrified by the arrival of Petter Nord and his companions, flees up the mountain and suffers a fatal hemorrhage.

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Downie arrives at her uncle Theodore's estate expecting to be judged, and finds instead a man who seems to know all her faults and likes her anyway. She whirls across the lawn, lets a calf lick her finger, and tours the barns with a switch in her hand, brave and ridiculous at once. Her tears over her brother's partisan politics give way to something freer: the story's early arc turns on whether this half-wild belonging can survive the world she came from.

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

See Downie in Downie

Character Web

10 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Young Women in Love Stories
Historical and Legendary Figures
Diverse Historical, Biblical, and Legendary Figures
Artists and Moral Subjects

+5 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the bee, having been created to gather honey, is directly con…

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Relationships

Uncle Theodore
friendship · positive
Downie is a loyal friend and companion to Uncle Theodore, often assisting him in his… How this plays out →
Uncle Theodore
friendship · positive
Downie is a loyal friend and companion to Uncle Theodore, often assisting him in his… How this plays out →
Uncle Theodore
friendship · positive
Downie is a loyal friend and companion to Uncle Theodore, often assisting him in his… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Downie in Downie

In the story

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

II
Edith Halfvorson, terrified by the arrival of Petter Nord and his companions, flees up the mountain and suffers a fatal hemorrhage.
A Fallen King
Mentioned as the shoemaker's young wife, trembling with fear and guilt over her husband's departure.
Downie
The central character of the chapter, a small girl with a unique perspective on the world, who has a terrifying vision during breakfast.
I
The protagonist, a sweet and anxious young woman traveling to meet her betrothed's wealthy uncle. She is deeply in love with Maurits but feels the weight of the journey's purpose.
I
Also referred to as Anne-Marie, the baker's daughter. She is described as insignificant but sweet, and she prays and worries about the journey.
II
Explores the estate, feels a connection to the country, and reflects on her feelings for Maurits and Uncle Theodore.
III
The young woman Uncle Theodore is obsessed with; he imagines her weeping and feels guilt over his plans.
IV
Reveals the deceitful plan and courageously opposes Maurits's attempt to sell worthless shares.
Why the Pope Lived to Be So Old
A nurse who tearfully recounts her hope of seeing the Pope again after a leper hospital mission.

Chapter companion notes

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

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